As was typical at the time, there were several cities around the same area that were called ‘Magnesia’. Magnesia ad Meander was likely the most powerful of them and received its name (as did the others) because it was originally settled by people from Magnetes, Thessaly.
Due to its excellent climate and weather, the region soon became famous for its figs, wine, and cucumbers.
The city is perhaps best known in history for the Athenian Themistokles, who was given the city to rule by Ataxerxes.
Strabo visited the city and marveled at its temple to Artemis Leukophryene, which he noted was superior in harmony and beauty to all other temples in Asia Minor. Parts of this temple were dug up and preserved at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. The city’s stadium remains well-preserved, while the rest of the site consists of scattered remains, since most buildings have been destroyed by the locals over time.
In ancient times, people facing persecution could escape to the temple of Artemis and find safety there.