Archaeological research in Gulf of Mandalya (Güllük Körfezi) spans 1988-2011. Settlements existed from Late Bronze Age to 18th/19th centuries CE. Major concentration of occupation between 6th-7th centuries CE
Metropolis was located between Smyrna and Ephesus and was inhabited during Byzantine period. Population declined due to Arab raids and Turkish strengthening. City walls strengthened after Arab raids, forming inner fortress. New fortress built on eastern slope in front of Acropolis
First Hagia Sophia built in 360 as wooden-roofed basilica on pagan temple site. Emperor Justinian rebuilt church in 532 after fire, completed in five years. Church features unique pendentives and dome with square base. Justinian's wife Theodora helped restore icons after Iconoclast period
Castle surrounded by 6 km walls on 10 hectares of peninsula. First mentioned as Coracesium by Scylax in 4th century BC. Became pirate haven in 2nd century BC despite small military presence. Hellenistic wall from Diototos Tryhon period (2nd century BC)
Aksaray was a natural harbour at Lycos Stream's mouth during Byzantine period. Eleutherios harbour was built by Theodosius in 4th century. Forum Bovis was built in 380s as open market with execution site. Aksaray was center of imperial city's transportation and trade