The stepped terraces of the ancient city of Sardis (Greek: Σάρδεις) may represent a major stage in the architectural growth of one of the richest cities of the ancient world, according to new research led by Güzin Eren and published in Arkeoloji Dergisi.
Researchers said the structures point to a sophisticated urban planning system in Sardis during the reign of King Alyattes in the late seventh and early sixth centuries BCE. The terraces may also represent an important technical step before the construction of the city’s later monumental platforms under King Croesus.
A city shaped by terraces
Sardis stood on uneven and hilly ground, making large-scale construction difficult. Researchers said urban terraces helped transform the landscape into organized spaces suitable for royal, public, and ceremonial buildings.
Earlier studies mainly focused on the massive terrace platforms built during the reign of Croesus in the sixth century BCE. Those towering structures reshaped entire hills into elevated rectangular podiums that overlooked the lower city. They later became one of the defining features of Lydian architecture.
The new study instead examines an earlier phase of development. Researchers analyzed shorter stepped platforms built before the reign of Croesus. According to Eren, these terraces shared similar layouts, construction styles, and spatial organization, suggesting they were part of a carefully planned urban system rather than isolated building efforts.
Evidence from the reign of Alyattes
Researchers believe the stepped terraces were not simply practical retaining walls. They likely played a major role in organizing movement through the city and shaping its visual appearance.
New research on the stepped terraces in ancient Sardis suggests the Lydian capital had a sophisticated urban planning system before the reign of King Croesus.
Researchers say the terraces built during King Alyattes’ rule may have paved the way for the city’s later monuments. pic.twitter.com/UXoi9qZI49
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) May 13, 2026
The study argues that these structures reflect the growing political power and engineering ability of Sardis during the reign of Alyattes, who ruled before Croesus. Researchers said the terraces demonstrate an important transitional phase in Lydian construction techniques.
According to the study, the stepped platforms appear to bridge the gap between older terracing traditions and the later high-rise monumental terraces that became symbols of the city.
A longer history of monumental construction
Ongoing archaeological work in Sardis has also shown that large-scale terracing in the region dates back much earlier than previously believed. Evidence suggests monumental terracing traditions may reach as far back as the Early Bronze Age.
Researchers said construction methods evolved over centuries as builders adapted to changing political goals and urban demands. Despite those changes, the study points to strong conceptual continuity in how the people of Sardis reshaped their landscape.
The findings offer new insight into the development of ancient cities and show how engineering projects helped transform Sardis into a major center of power in the ancient Mediterranean world.
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