Teos Ancient City uncovers 2,200-year-old council building

Excavations and restoration efforts at the Teos Ancient City in the Seferihisar district of İzmir have revealed a 2,200-year-old council building and findings related to an educational foundation. The site, located in Sığacık, was one of the 12 city-states of ancient Ionia and served as a significant center for trade, art, and thought.

The council building, located northwest of the agora, had a capacity of approximately 800 people with 17 rows of seating. According to excavation head Prof. Dr. Musa Kadıoğlu, the structure hosted advisory council meetings where decisions regarding the city's future were made. Inscriptions indicate the building was also used for cultural and educational activities, a fact supported by a stage added during the Roman period.

Archaeologists also identified the Polythros Educational Foundation through inscriptions. Established by a wealthy citizen named Polythros with a donation of 34,000 drachmae, the foundation supported the education of both free-born boys and girls. The findings provide rare insight into ancient educational systems, including curriculum decisions made by teachers and administrative roles such as a 40-year-old deputy director.