Miletus

Ionian–Byzantine47 km from Selçuk

Once a harbour city, now far inland because the Büyük Menderes (Maeander) silted up its bays. Thales, Anaximander and the town planner Hippodamus came from here; the city’s Market Gate stands in Berlin.

Plan the visit Its place in history

Plan your visit

Time to allow

About 1–2 hours

For a first visit at an easy pace.

Stay in

Selçuk

47 km away as the crow flies, so allow more on the road.

On a trip

Ephesus to the travertines

Day 2 of 4.

Hours and tickets

Check before you go

Opening hours and prices change: see muze.gov.tr (opens in a new tab).

Times are our estimates. Distances are straight lines.

Its place in history

Read the chapter before you go.

1000–330 BCGreeks and PersiansGreek cities grew along the Aegean coast, and in Ionia the first philosophers asked what the world was made of.

Where its treasures are now

Abroad

Market Gate of Miletus

Held abroad; no return

Pergamonmuseum, Berlin

Back in Türkiye

Kore torso

Returned 2024

Returned from the UK, —

first

First known philosopher, and the eclipse that dates a battle. Thales of Miletus; the 'Battle of the Eclipse' on the Halys, 28 May 585 BC. Qualified How sure we are →

first

First Greek map of the known world. Anaximander of Miletus, c. 550 BC. Qualified How sure we are →

first

Planned grid city named after its inventor. Hippodamus of Miletus (Hippodamian plan), 5th century BC. Qualified How sure we are →