ASSOS

Assos is located on a low volcanic hill on the south coast of the Troad, opposite the island of Lesbos. On one side, it is steeply terraced down to its two artificial harbours. On the other side, there are fine views down the more gradual slopes that lead down to a river and a large fertile plain.

Assos was occupied in the Bronze Age, but first began to expand in the 8th and 7th centuries B.C. when Aeolian colonists from Lesbos took control from its Carian inhabitants. In the 6th century B.C. the city was absorbed within the Lydian kingdom, and then became part of the Persian Empire. Following the successful repulse of the Persians by the mainland Greeks, Assos once more became independent and joined the Delian League, which was led by the city of Athens.

Around 348/47 B.C., after leaving the Platonic Academy in Athens, Aristotle (joined by Xenocrates) went to Assos, where he was welcomed by King Hermias, and opened an Academy in the city. Aristotle also married Pythias, the adopted daughter of Hermias. In the Academy of Assos, Aristotle became a chief to a group of philosophers, and together with them, he made innovative observations on zoology and biology. When the Persians attacked Assos, King Hermias was caught and put to death. Aristotle fled to Macedonia, which was ruled by his friend King Philip II of Macedon. There, he tutored Philip's son, Alexander the Great.

After the death of Alexander, Assos fell under the control of the Seleucids, then Pergamon, and finally in 133 BC it became part of the Roman Empire. It later declined until it became a small village.

The Doric Temple of Athena on the summit, founded in 530 B.C. This is a unique example of a Doric temple with a continuous Ionic frieze.

Temple of Athena.

View from the top.

Road into the city passing through the Hellenistic/Roman necropolis.

Approaching the city gate. The walls date back to the 4th century B.C.

City walls.

The Bouleuterion or council house. Holes for floor supports can be seen and it would have had a roof.

Theatre with fine sea view.

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