Archaeological Research at the Ancient Ionian City of Notion

Notion was a Greek city on the western coast of Ionia, 50 km south of Smyrna. It was closely associated with the inland town of Colophon, 15 km to the north; from the 2nd century BC onward, it was known as New Colophon, or Colophon-by-the-Sea. Prior research has shown that Notion was only intensively occupied from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD. The archaeology of Notion illuminates the turbulent history of Ionia in the Hellenistic period, and the different ways in which local communities responded to the imposition of Roman rule.

This lecture reports on the results of a new program of archaeological excavation at Notion, begun in 2022 after five years of survey. As preserved, Notion is a grid-planned city, surrounded by stout fortification walls. Excavation began with examination of a centrally located courtyard house and will include investigation of other houses throughout the city as well as civic buildings, especially the Bouleuterion (Council House). Our research program also includes study of the surrounding region, including the harbor, the cemeteries, local stone quarries, and the water supply system.