Thebai in the light of Kuşadasi surveys

Thebai is located on the southwestern hillside of Samsun (Mykale) Mountain, 1 km northwest of Doğanbey Neighborhood, Söke District, Aydın Province. The first researches in the Thebai was by T. Wiegand in 1896, and by H. Lohmann between 2001-2006. New research in the city was carried out between 2020-2022 within the scope of the Kuşadası District and Samsun (Mykale) Mountain Archaeological Survey [Project Number-YA010903 (2020)]. Based on the Thebai findings and ruins uncovered during the survey, evaluations were made about the identity, spread, and cultural interaction area of the city during the period it was inhabited. As a result of the surveys carried out in the Thebai, architectural remains in quite good condition were encountered, and numerous pottery and small finds were found. During the survey, the city's plan was revised, and previously undetected building remains were added. In addition, it was aimed to add many small findings found within the scope of the thesis that have not been published before to the literature by cataloging them and establishing possible connections. There is no clear information about the cultural identity of the inhabitants of Thebai in ancient texts. On the other hand, the architectural texture of the city sheds light on this issue. The region where the city is located is geographically located within the Ionia region. However, if we examine its cultural borders, the Carian identity is clearly seen. Thebai ruins are very important in understanding the spread of Carian culture to the north and in showing the cultural continuity in this geography.