Alexandria in Troas

Alexandria Troas, modern Dalyanköy in Turkey, was almost certainly founded in 306 BC by Antigonus Monophthalmus, who forced the population of at least six villages, together with the island of Tenedos, to settle in a new city that had until then been called Sigia. Its original name was Antigonia, but it was rebaptized by Lysimachus after the Battle of Ipsus (301). It was one of the most successful foundations of the early Hellenistic period, and a valuable addition to the Seleucid Empire after the Battle of Corupedium (281).

When the Romans had defeated the Seleucid king Antiochus III the Great in the Syrian war, Alexandria Troas was declared 'free and autonomous' (188). After all, it was very close to Troy, the town that was believed to have been the mother-city of Rome. More favors were to come. Julius Caesar gave Alexandria the privileges of a colonia. Under Augustus, it kept the right to strike its own coins.

Constantine I the Great toyed with the idea to make this city the new capital of the Roman empire, before eventually preferring Byzantium, which became known as Constantinople and eclipsed Alexandria Troas. The city went into decline. Today, there are many ruins, which include an aqueduct, a basilica, a bathhouse (built by Herodes Atticus), temples, a theater, and walls.