Blaudus Ancient City
Located in the Inner Aegean region, Uşak is a treasure trove of invaluable archaeological heritage, offering unique experiences for visitors interested in cultural tourism. One of its remarkable sites is the ancient city of Blaundus, situated 40 km from Uşak in the Sülümenli village of the Ulubey district. Blaundus has been registered as a first-degree archaeological site.
Blaundus was founded by settlers from Macedonia following Alexander the Great’s Anatolian campaigns. It is said that the city’s inhabitants referred to themselves as "Macedonian Blaundus." After Alexander, the city came under the rule of the Kingdom of Pergamon and later the Roman Empire, during which its importance grew significantly. Located on a peninsula surrounded by deep valleys, Blaundus contains notable structures such as a fortress, temples, a theater, a stadium, and rock-cut tombs.
Several remnants of the city have survived to this day. Examples include the northern city walls' arched entrance gate, coin minting facilities, administrative buildings, portions of the defensive walls, an Ionian-style temple, and a temple in the city center dedicated to Roman Emperor Claudius. Additionally, the stadium, with seating on only one side, and the theater ruins on the city’s southern slope, accompanied by nearby rock-cut tombs, are noteworthy sites. The city's symbol is a depiction of twin horses.
The name Blaundus was confirmed in 1845 when Hamilton discovered an inscription bearing the phrase Blaundeon Makedonon, providing clear evidence about the city’s history. Following Alexander the Great's death, Blaundus became the domain of Antigonos, one of Alexander’s eight generals (Diadochi) who divided the empire among themselves. The city was later annexed by the Roman Empire in 189 BC after the decline of the Kingdom of Pergamon. During the Roman period, Blaundus became an important settlement and, by the 5th century AD, was linked to the Bishopric of Sebaste, located in what is now Sivaslı district in Uşak Province.
Blaundus was established on a peninsula-like landform, encircled on three sides by steep and deep valleys. Its unique topography meant that the city’s entrance was exclusively accessible via the northern gate.
The theater, located outside the city walls on a slope, has a partially preserved seating area, though the stage structure has completely collapsed. Within the city walls, the central area comprises an Ionian-style temple and various other structures. The necropolis, or burial grounds, is divided into two sections: a cemetery and a few tumuli to the north of the city, and a series of rock-cut tombs located in the valley to the east. These rock-cut tombs vary in layout, including designs for pairs, groups of ten, or groups of twelve. The vaulted tombs feature niches and fixed sarcophagi, many of which retain white plaster adorned with red, blue, and green-painted animal and plant motifs.
Outside the city, there is a second Ionian-style temple and remnants of what are thought to be aqueducts. Although 14 arches were originally believed to exist, only one remains intact today. These arches, while not definitively identified, were likely part of an aqueduct system.