Brief History

The Aegean Region is rich with ancient history, having been inhabited by several advanced civilizations. The Lydians, whose empire was centered around western Anatolia, are credited with inventing coinage, making them an important civilization in economic history. The region was also home to Greek settlers, who established influential city-states such as Miletus, Ephesus, and Pergamon. These cities flourished during the Classical and Hellenistic periods, becoming important cultural and intellectual centers. The Persian Empire’s invasion brought about shifts in power, but the Greeks reasserted themselves during the rise of the Delian League and later during the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Under Roman rule, the Aegean Region continued to thrive, with cities such as Ephesus becoming key centers of trade and culture. The region later transitioned into the Byzantine era, where it maintained its importance as a bridge between East and West. With its advantageous location along the coast and fertile lands, the Aegean was also a target for various powers, including the Seljuks and eventually the Ottomans.