Ancient City Assos-Temple of Athena

Assos was founded in the 7th century BC by settlers from Methymna on Lesbos. Although a member of the Delian League, the city played no significant role in the early Greek-Persian conflicts. Its importance grew in the 4th century BC during the Satraps' Revolt, when the rebellious satrap Ariobarzanes sought refuge here. Later, Assos was under the rule of Eubulus and Hermeias, a period during which Aristotle also lived in the city. After its conquest by Alexander the Great, Assos belonged to the Seleucid Empire and later to the Kingdom of Pergamon, before becoming part of the Roman Empire. In Byzantine times, Assos was an episcopal see. Even in 1306, the Greeks briefly defended the fortress of Assos against the Ottomans, but the settlement soon fell into their possession.

The ancient city of Assos is located in Behram, in the Çanakkale district of the Marmara region, Turkey. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 217 meters above sea level.

The remains of the ancient city are now accessible to visitors. Besides the Temple of Athena, large sections of the three-kilometer-long city wall with its towers and gates are well preserved. Within the city area, visitors can also find the Agora with its halls, the Bouleuterion, the Gymnasium, the Theater, and a Roman bath. Outside the city walls, a well-preserved necropolis with tombs and sarcophagi extends.

• Ancient City of Assos-Theater (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.3 km away
• Ancient City of Alexandria Troas (Ancient Buildings), approx. 32.8 km away
• Ancient City of Troy (Ilion) (Ancient Buildings), approx. 52.4 km away
• Ancient City of Pergamon-Theater (Ancient Buildings), approx. 82.8 km away