Construction phases of the Acropolis of Smyrna (Kadifekale)

Acropoleis were one of the most important factors of the cities during Hellenistic and Roman periods as sign of independence and a source of reputation. Built on top of hills and surrounded by city walls acropoleis offered protection for the people in times of need and at the same time served aswatch towers for the roads coming to the city. Different cult buildings dedicated to the protecting gods and goddesses of the city were also found on the acropoleis. Acropolis of Smyrna was built on Mound Pagos and outskirts, today called Kadifekale, in Hellenistic Period. While some ancient sources point to Aleksandros III as the founder of the new city others also mention the Diadochi, Antigonos Monopthalmos and Lysimakhos? contributions. Recent archaeological findings indicate that a citadel on Pagos was built right after Aleksandros III?s Asian campaign. It is thought that acropolis of Smyrna, used throughout the Roman Period and housed various public buildings, has been restored many times in Byzantine Period as important factor in the defense of the city and took its final form in 13th century. Acropolis has been an important part of the city until the end of the 17th century and many additions has been made to the buildings during the Turkish Period of the city starting with Aydinids and especially during the reign of Mehmed II (Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror). A cistern built in Middle/Late Byzantine Period and a mosque is the remaining civil buildings on Kadifekale today.This thesis focuses on the defensive buildings on the Acropolis of Smyrna/Kadifekale which has the most numerous remains from different periods. Studying written sources, archaeological remains and findings from the excavations enables us to understand the construction phases and the relation between the various remains on Kadifekale. Keywords: Acropolis, Smyrna, Mound Pagos, Citadel, Kadifekale, Aleksandros III and Diadochi, Defensive buildings, Civil buildings.