Sardis Expedition Guided Tours
An archaeological exploration of the ancient city in the mountains of western Turkey
An archaeological exploration of the ancient city in the mountains of western Turkey
This exhibition is brought to you by the partnership of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Harvard University, and Cornell University.
Discover the ruins of the ancient temple that was occupied by many religions from Persian, Greek, Roman, to a modern church
Visit the TempleSardis is one of the longest continuously settled urban environments in the Ancient, Classical, and Mediaeval worlds.
It was populated by successive arrivals from the Bronze Age onwards, through diverse peoples including Lydian, Greek, Persian, Roman, and Byzantine. Each proceeded in their settlements as seemed practical – occupying, rebuilding, and repositioning/replacing their own dwellings and monuments alongside or on top of their predecessors’, often recycling building materials. Perhaps most famously, it was the capital of the Lydian Empire, the seat of King Croesus, and the place where coinage was first invented and used.
This rich backdrop makes Sardis a dream location for the archaeologist-detective interested in dissecting the inflections and continuities of its multiple overlain civilizations.
Visit the incredible mosaics, baths, and gymnasium from the Roman period at Sardis
Tour the SynagogueGuided Tours
An archaeological exploration of the ancient city in the mountains of western Turkey
