Daskyleion Ancient City is located in the Ergili neighborhood of Bandırma district in Balıkesir Province, approximately 2 kilometers east of the village center, on the southeastern shore of Lake Kuş (Bird Lake), in the area known as Hisartepe. It is situated near the famous Kuş Cenneti (Bird Paradise), a region renowned for its natural beauty, and occupies a strategically important geopolitical position.
Daskyleion Ancient City (Anadolu Ajansı)
History and Foundation
According to ancient sources, the city was named after Daskylos, a Lydian king who came to the region from Sardis due to dynastic conflicts in the 7th century BCE. After his son Gyges was summoned back to Lydia to assume the throne, the city became known as Daskyleion, meaning "Place of Daskylos." The city is thought to have adopted this name around 650 BCE. Archaeological surface surveys have revealed obsidian axes and pottery fragments, indicating that the site was inhabited as early as the Chalcolithic Period.
Excavations and Research
Initial archaeological investigations in the area were conducted by Kurt Bittel in 1952. In 1954, excavations were launched by Prof. Dr. Ekrem Akurgal and continued until 1960. The site was re-excavated in 1988 under the direction of Prof. Dr. Tomris Bakır. Currently, the excavations are led by Prof. Dr. Kaan İren with support from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University.
Archaeological Findings and Structures
Excavations have revealed numerous structures from different historical periods. These include city walls from the Phrygian and Lydian periods, a ceremonial road from the Achaemenid era, a three-room administrative-religious complex, a Lydian kitchen, as well as Hellenistic and Medieval structures. Among the notable finds are a 4th century BCE drinking bowl inscribed with Phrygian letters, and remains of a stone-based, mudbrick palace believed to belong to King Daskylos of Lydia.
Daskyleion Ancient City (T.C. Balıkesir Valiliği)
Lydian Wall and Structural Features
Recent excavations uncovered a 2,700-year-old Lydian wall made of andesite and limestone, located east of the previously identified Phrygian wall. The preserved height of this wall reaches up to 5 meters, and it is estimated to have been over 7 meters tall originally. The structure exhibits three phases of construction, with some areas showing use of mortar and conglomerate stones, indicating possible repairs during the Medieval period.
Comparison with the Phrygian Wall
The Phrygian wall was built using the dry stone technique, featuring a double-faced wall with small cut stones and rubble. In contrast, the Lydian wall was constructed with large block stones, giving it a more monumental and durable appearance. The coexistence of both walls in the city provides valuable insights into the chronological development of Daskyleion.
Cultural and Geopolitical Significance
Throughout history, Daskyleion served as an important center during the Phrygian, Lydian, Achaemenid, Macedonian, and Byzantine periods. It functioned as a satrapal capital under Persian rule and was one of the cities targeted by Alexander the Great during his campaign in Anatolia in 334 BCE. Ancient authors praised the city and its scenic surroundings.
Prehistoric Period and Early Settlements
Archaeological evidence such as a steatite cylinder seal dated to 1700–1800 BCE suggests that the area was connected to cultures of Ancient Western Asia. Historical records indicate that Aeolians settled in the region in the 12th century BCE, followed by the Phrygians who migrated from Thrace. A Phrygian votive inscription and pottery further support this settlement pattern.
