Ancient Turkish city might have housed world's first stock exchange

Ankara (Turkey), May 17 : If reports are to be believed, the ancient city of Aizanoi in Turkey might have housed the world's first stock exchange.

According to a report by the Turkish Press, Aizanoi, located in Cavdarhisar town of the western Turkish city of Kutahya, housed a round building that might have served as a functional stock exchange.

"There was a round building (Macellum) which was used as food market in the second part of the second century AD. This area was excavated in 1971 and on its partly repaired walls was hung a copy of the price lists of the Emperor Diocletian, which he prepared so as to bring down inflation," said Ismail Tanriverdi, sub-governor of Aizanoi.

"For example, a physically strong slave would be the same price as two donkeys and one horse was worth three slaves," explained Tanriverdi.

These facts have made Tanriverdi suggest that the building might just be the world's first stock exchange.

Aizanoi also has a temple built for Zeus, which is believed to be the best-preserved temple in all Anatolia.

Recent excavations around the Temple of Zeus revealed several levels of settlements dating from as far back as 3000 BC.

In 133 BC, the city entered the dominion of the Roman Empire. Aizanoi printed its first coins in the second and first centuries. During the days of the Roman Empire, the town became rich from its production of grains, wine and wool.

It was the center of the episcopacy in the early Byzantine period, but it lost its influence in the 7th century.

"We want to introduce this ancient city as one of the most important tourist attractions in Turkey," said Tanriverdi.

ANI