Ancient Greek city states
Priene
Priene is an ancient Greek city located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
Priéné was founded by the Ionians in the 9th century BC, but the Thebans also lived here. Philotas (son of Penelaus) and Aipytos (son of Neilaus) are considered to be the founders of the city. The city was 37 hectares in size and was surrounded by massive walls, with about 15 hectares of this area built up.
The city of Priene prospered greatly, but was burned and destroyed by the Persians in the 6th century BC. In the 4th century BC it was rebuilt according to the so-called Hippodamus layout (a system of rectangular streets). It is likely that it was rebuilt by the Athenians. The definitive end of the city is dated to the 2nd century BC, when most of the houses were destroyed by fire and the city was not rebuilt.
The most important monument of Priene was the temple of Athena Polias, which stood in the middle of the city.