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Agora of Priene was an open place for people to meet, celebrate special days and festivals and do commerce like any other Hellenistic city Agoras. So it had an important place in the daily life of ancient cities.
The Priene Agora was defined by Pausanias as being “a characteristic example of Ionic agoras.” It was built in the 3rd century B.C which has a horseshoe shape. One side is open and is surrounded on the other there sides by stoae which have apart from the corner columns. Both east and west side has 18 columns and 30 columns on the south side which were constructed in the Doric style. There are row of rooms (shops) at the rear parts of the south and west side of stotae. The shops at the rear part of the east stoa remain in the temenos of the Zeus Temple. From the middle part of the south side some of the rooms were removed and this area was turned into a large hall.
The statues in Agora in marble and bronze and created a very impressive atmosphere which representing the notabilities of the city stood. In the ancient times in this area there was an art gallery, today only the bases of the statues are standing which were also served as benches for people to sit on.
The altar in the middle of the Agora which was 6.20 meters long and 5.15 meters wide was dedicated to the god Hermes. The small agora is on the left of the agora which is a market place. It contains various foods, clothing and other articles. During the excavations counters were revealed which was used for displaying the items on sale.
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