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Stratonikeia 

Seven kilometres after leaving Yatağan you pass the remains of coal mining activities on the right. While you are saddened by the environmental damage caused here you should notice a road sign. This sign points to the ancient city of Stratonikea, one kilometre distant. At the entrance to the ancient city of Stratonikea you will notice the small village coffee house painted white and blue under the shade of centuries old chinar trees at Eski Hisar village. Here one can take a breather and listen to the history of the city from the locals. Stratonikea was a city of the Khrysaor Union. Its former name was Idrias. It was renovated and given the name of Stratonikea after the wife of Seleucid king Antiochus who reigned between 281-261 BC. In 133 BC, as a result of the kingdom of Pergamon being left to the Romans as an inheritance Aristonikos rebelled and sought refuge at Stratonikea and the Romans besieged the city. During this siege many of the people of the city starved to death.

Once upon a time the abundant water resources of the district provided an amazing picturesque scene under the chinar trees next to the ruins of the ancient city at the village of Eski Hisar. The now deserted village and the remains of the castle that had been strengthened by large cut stones, the main entrance gate to the city made of large blocks on the northern corner of the city, the well preserved Bouleuterion (small theatre) in the centre of the city, and the area to the west said to have once been the site of the monumental entrance gate (Serapis temple) are all that remain. Other ruins to the west of the city are said to have been the gymnasium and private graves. The acropolis of the city is sitting on top of a hill to the south and is surrounded by city walls. One can see the remains of a small temple straight down the road on a terrace, which was dedicated to the emperor according to inscriptions. Further down you will see a large theatre. Excavation work has unearthed a large portion of the remains of the building containing the stage.