Some Notes on Aeolian Neonteichos and Temnos

Abstract

According to Herodotus, the Aeolians, who migrated to the coast of Western Anatolia in waves, established 12 cities in the region. Among these, Neonteichos and Temnos played key roles in terms of geostrategic importance, especially during the rule of the Pergamon Kingdom. These settlements later became strongholds during Persian attacks. However, Neonteichos, situated between the cities of Temnos and Larisa, did not have a significant presence in historical events and is therefore rarely mentioned in ancient sources. The fact that the raw material for the coins minted in Neonteichos was copper indicates the city's passive development, as it remained overshadowed by its neighboring cities. Neonteichos was initially founded as a military base to capture Larisa, which hindered its growth into a well-established urban center. In contrast, Temnos gained a well-deserved reputation as a garrison city frequently mentioned in historical geography. Its strategic position overlooking the Hermos River, the absence of powerful nearby cities, and its location on important routes from the coast to the interior positively influenced its economy. Additionally, the city was the center of worship for the cult of Apollo Kynneios, which elevated its status to a level that could rival the city of Gryneion, a key city of the Aeolian League. This article analyzes the developmental trajectories of Neonteichos and Temnos—cities for which there is little comprehensive information in historical sources and which have not been sufficiently studied in modern literature due to the lack of archaeological research—focusing on their socio-cultural, economic, and political dimensions.