Priene was one of the 12 cities of Ionia during the Hellenistic period. The city of Panionion served as the Ionian religious and political center. It was probably founded by the Carians around the 10th century B.C. and later came under Lydian and Persian control.
The new city, rebuilt in 350 B.C., was laid out according to the grid system developed by the architect Hippodamus of Miletus. The city was designed to face south, which provided effective protection from the sun in summer while maximizing sunlight exposure during winter months.
At the time of its founding, the city was much closer to the sea than it is today and functioned as an important port city. However, the harbor has since been buried by alluvial deposits from the Meander (Menderes) River. Today, the historic port lies beneath layers of river sediment.
The Temple of Athena was the most important building in the city. It was designed by the architect Pythios of Halicarnassus and is considered one of the most magnificent temples of the ancient world.
Priene featured an excellent water distribution system. Water was brought from the mountains via aqueducts, stored in settling pools, and then systematically distributed to fountains throughout the city.
The theater, built in classical Hellenistic design, could accommodate 5,000 spectators. The Bouleuterion (council chamber), located near the sacrificial altar of the Prytaneion (city hall), is one of the best-preserved buildings in the city and served as the meeting place for the ancient city council.
The houses in Priene were remarkably well planned. They were two-story structures built around an open atrium, complete with bathrooms and toilets. The high ceilings and windows reflected the advanced engineering understanding of the period.
Archaeological excavations began in 1898. Today, excavations continue to be carried out by the German Archaeological Institute.