Unraveling the Secrets of Parion: An Ancient Greek City on the Hellespont

Parion, also called Parium, was an ancient Greek city located on the coast of the Hellespont (present-day Dardanelles Strait) in northwestern Anatolia, Turkey. Founded in 709 BC, it played a significant role in the region’s history and culture.

Years of excavation have yielded significant discoveries, prompting Professor Vedat Keles, head of the archaeological team, to declare, with a touch of hyperbole, that “Parion will become the new Ephesus of Turkey.” He added that excavations have changed the perspective on how big the ancient city was.

In the summer of 2024, a second port was discovered underscoring the city’s importance as a maritime hub during the ancient period.

Parion was an important harbor for the region

In ancient times, Parion was an important harbor for the surrounding settlements. The origin of the town’s name has not yet been scientifically explained, but there is a tradition that it comes from Paris, the son of the Trojan king Priam.

Situated on the Hellespont, Parion controlled a vital waterway connecting the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea. This strategic location made it a significant trading hub and a point of contention for various empires throughout history.

Founded by colonists from Eretria and Paros, Parion flourished as a member of the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states. However, it also experienced periods of conflict and occupation, including under the Persian Empire and later under Roman rule.

Strabo mentions Parion

Strabo, one of the important historians of the Antiquity, mentions Parion in his work called Geographika:

“The city of Parion is by the sea and has a larger port than Priapus, and the city’s territory increases at Priapus’ detriment; because the Parionians were patronized by Attalos, to whom Priapos’ lands were dependent, and thus, with the permission of the Pergamon kings, they took a large part of the lands of the Priapos. Here, the legend that the Ophiogens (Snake-born) belong to the snake tribe is told. Ophiogen men are said to treat the wounds of those bitten by snakes by stroking them continuously, transferring the venom to their own bodies and relieving fever and pain. Legend has it that the true founder of the tribe is a hero who turned from a snake to a human. It is probable that it was from the Libyan Psyls who had some influence in their tribe. Parion was founded by the Miletians.” 

Ruins of Parion, the ancient Greek city

Parion was home to several temples, including one dedicated to Apollo, and a theater. It also produced notable figures like the historian Ephorus and the philosopher Heraclitus.

The ruins of Parion, located near the modern-day village of Kemer, offer insights into the city’s past. Excavations have uncovered remnants of its temples, agora, and other structures, providing valuable information about its architecture and daily life.

Antique coins from Parion testify to its great importance and advanced minting facilities. The most interesting picture, visible on the coins from the Hellenistic period, is the coat of arms. It depicts the so-called gorgoneion i.e. the head of the Gorgon – a terrible mythological beast with sharp fangs, and hair in the form of poisonous snakes.

In ancient times, gorgoneion served as an apotropaic amulet, reversing evil charms. The relationship between the city of Parion and the Gorgon is not fully understood, most likely it was chosen as the emblem of the city to reverse bad intentions and repel attacks against the city. Perhaps it had to do with military power represented by Parion.

Tombs and sarcophagi unearthed in Parion

The most important discoveries made by his team are tombs and sarcophagi from the area of ​​Parion necropolis.

Among them, it is worth mentioning a 2200-year-old sarcophagus, which was unearthed in 2009. Golden earrings found in it bear the symbol of Eros, and they were accompanied by numerous rings and some fragments of the crown decorated with precious stones. These finds allow the presumption that a rich person was buried there, and she was called the princess of Parion by the discoverers of the tomb.

In addition to these special sarcophagi, around 200 graves have been discovered in the necropolis, often with for the dead, including bottles for tears, oil lamps, and toys.

Sometimes the funeral gifts enable the identification of the occupation of the person buried there, as in the case of the tomb, with bronze fragments of a fishing rod from the 1st century AD. Unfortunately, many of the tumuli surrounding Parion, have been plundered by treasure hunters.

Ancient toys discovered in graves for children

In 2017, 2000-year-old ancient toys from the Hellenistic period were discovered inside tombs belonging to children. The toys were presented as “gifts for the dead” children and provide significant information about the sociocultural structure of the period.

For instance, archaeologist Hasan Kasaoğlu highlighted that female figurines were found in tombs belonging to girls, while male figures were found in tombs belonging to boys. “2,000 years ago girls played with ‘Barbie-like’ dolls, the same way they do now,” Kasaoğlu said according to Daily Sabah, adding that although objects have changed shapes and features, humans have always had the same mentality.

Besides the human figurines, animal and mythological figurines were also found in the tombs, believed to be buried with the aim to accompany the children on their journey to the afterlife, the professor added.

Archaeological excavations in Parion are also carried out in a theater, an odeon, and baths, as well as in six areas on a hillside overlooking the ancient city. An important discovery was made in 2011 when a marble block was found, with an inscription in the Phrygian language.

The finds from excavations conducted in Parion, dating back to the archaic, Hellenistic and Roman periods, are presented in display cases in the Archaeology Museum in Çanakkale.

One of the most interesting exhibits is a 2400-year-old amphora made of bronze, found in 2005. The vessel is 34 cm high, and it is decorated with the theme depicting the ecstatic procession of dancing figures: the god Dionysus, a satyr, and maenads.

Ancient ports

Two ancient ports have been discovered in Parion. The southern port was likely the main commercial harbor of Parion, facilitating trade along the Hellespont.

The northern Port discovered in the summer of 2024 appears to be smaller and may have served military purposes, given Parion’s status as a Roman legion colony.

“This harbor, compared to the southern harbor, which served as a commercial port, is slightly smaller and filled with alluvium deposited by the river running through the city. Parion was a legion colony, so there is a possibility that this harbor could have been a military port,” Professor and excavation leader Vedat Keles told Arkeonews.