FROM THE ROMAN SETTLEMENT OF AIGAI TO AYAS

The history of Ayas, today known as Yumurtalik, dates back to the Roman period and probably even before the Roman period. Starting from the XIIth century, the city became important for Mediterranean trade. Information about Ayas which can be derived from historical texts is limited. However, as an important archaeological center this region is well preserved. After the arrival of the Turks in Anatolia, the city maintained its importance and became the most important commercial port on the Mediterranean Sea. Since the Sea Castle has not been used for many years, the archeological findings discovered in that area are considered very important in terms of dating. Cleaning and excavation works conducted in locations A and B have been very useful in terms of understanding the original plan of the locations mentioned.