Smyrna Agora Buried Basilica North Stoa
Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age (4500–2000 BCE)·Chalcolithic–EBA·🇹🇷 Izmir, Smyrna Agora, Turkey
About
About Smyrna Agora Buried Basilica North Stoa
Smyrna Agora Buried Basilica North Stoa in Izmir, Smyrna Agora, Turkey is a Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age (4500–2000 BCE) tell attributed to Chalcolithic–EBA. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal mound 220 × 180 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 38.4180N 27.1390E controls access to Izmir resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey tell for Izmir, Smyrna Agora, illustrating Chalcolithic–EBA construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3800 BCE initial, major 2600 BCE
- Period
- Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age (4500–2000 BCE)
- Culture
- Chalcolithic–EBA
- Purpose
- Multi-period settlement mound with stratified urban sequence
- Rediscovered
- 1969 survey
- Excavation
- Buried
c. 3800 BCE initial, major 2600 BCE
Initial construction of Smyrna Agora Buried Basilica North Stoa main structure
c. 1909
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1969–2014
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Smyrna Agora Buried Basilica North Stoa) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
38.4180° N · 27.1390° E · 143 m · 3 mapped features
Smyrna Agora Buried Basilica North Stoa — Main Structure
structurePrincipal tell — Mound 220 × 180 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
38.4188° N · 27.1399° ESmyrna Agora Buried Basilica North Stoa — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
38.4170° N · 27.1383° ESmyrna Agora Buried Basilica North Stoa — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
38.4195° N · 27.1402° E