Assos Archaeological Site

About

The Assos Archaeological Site is an ancient city built on an extinct volcanic hill in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale. Founded in the 6th century BC, it was constructed of andesite, a stone that is hard to work but very durable. Sarcophagi made at Assos were well known in antiquity and were sent to many parts of Anatolia. Because the bodies placed inside them decomposed quickly, they came to be called "flesh-eating sarcophagi". The philosopher Aristotle lived in Assos for a time and established a school of philosophy here. At the highest point of the city stands the temple of Athena, the goddess regarded as its protector. Built in the Doric order, it is known as the only temple of that order in Anatolia and overlooks a wide view. The site also preserves a Roman-period theatre, an agora, a necropolis and the city walls.