Pinar O. Yilmaz¹, Arthur R. Green¹, Yucel Yilmaz²

(1) ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, TX
(2) Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey

ABSTRACT: Geology of the Aegean and Its Impact on Ancient Civilization

The Aegean extensional geologic domain has occupied a central role in the development of civilization, as we know it.

In western Turkey, the convergence of many positive geologic and geographic attributes created an ideal setting for human development, from the Bronze Age to the golden days following Alexander the Great's opening of the area. The great city states of Ephesus, Prienne, Miletus, Philadelphia, Smyrna (Ismir) grew and flourished in an environment of metamorphic core complexes and rift valleys. The geologic setting furnished complex ocean-land interfaces with productive fisheries and beautiful harbor sites for cities of commerce along the graben pathways.

A moderate climate, fertile soil, marble for building stones and gold and silver deposits from the core complex geology, all contributed to facilitating an environment for cultural development.

This was the place of Homer, Thales, King Mitus, Alexander the Great's battles with the Persians, and the legends of Artemis, Athena, Aphrodites, and the nymph Echo. It was also the site of the seven Churches and the resting place of St. John and the Virgin Mary. This was the place of early Greek philosophy and mythology and the development of extraordinary intellectual inquiry.

This is truly an area that has lived its Geodestiny.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado