The Agora was the largest of its kind in the world. It was established in 333 BC by Alexander the Great on the slopes of Mt. Pagos. The excavations and restorations are still going on (see an article in the Turkish Daily News, December 21 2004). Inscriptions indicate the existence of a church and the manager of the digs, Mehmet Taslialan of the Archaeological Museum, thinks this would put Izmir on the map for Christian faith tourists. For the time being we’ll have to do with the largest basilica (not much to see yet, but when an archaeologist indicated its size it stretched along one whole side of the current excavations.

On the ground floor arched galleries support the square on top of it. There were 28 shops facing north on the ground floor, facing the main street that ran along the agora. The second floor was composed of galleries along three rows of columns. In the basilica affairs of state were conducted, their ruling class met and decided on the towns administration.

Wheel barrows do most of the transportation on the site, here are some waiting for action.