Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe

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Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe: A Unique Blend of Ancient Civilizations

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025, offer a captivating glimpse into the rich history and cultural diversity of ancient Anatolia. Situated in present-day Turkey's Manisa Province, near the town of Sart, this archaeological treasure trove provides insights into the Lydian civilization, one of the earliest Iron Age civilizations (8th-6th centuries BCE).

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Sardis was the capital of the Lydians, a powerful Iron Age civilization (8th-6th centuries BCE) known for its wealth and early coinage production. The city had a unique urban structure with fortified walls, terraces, and distinct zones, including settlements, sanctuaries, and cemeteries. The cemetery of Bin Tepe features some of the largest tumulus tombs in the world. The Lydians developed a distinct language and religious system and were widely mentioned in Greek, Roman, and European texts. After their fall, Sardis remained significant under Persian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine rule.

Encyclopedia Record: Sardis

Sardis or Sardes was an ancient city best known as the capital of the Lydian Empire. After the fall of the Lydian Empire, it became the capital of the Persian satrapy of Lydia and later a major center of Hellenistic and Byzantine culture. Now an active archaeological site, it is located in modern day Turkey, in Manisa Province, near the town of Sart.

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