It is thought that Phaselis, located on a small peninsula extending to the Mediterranean Sea, was established as a port city in the 7th century BC. Phaselis attracts attention with its three ports; North Harbor, Central Harbor also known as War Harbor, and South Harbor. The reason for not being satisfied with a single port is that Phaselis was the busiest port city in the eastern part of Lycia for a long time and the main source of income was the sea trade. Even the images of ships were depicted on the city coins. However, the strategic importance accompanied the desire to be seized conti- nuously. First, it came under Persian rule, then opened its doors to Alexander the Great and hosted him for a month, then it remained under pirate sovereignty for a while. Phaselis, which became a bishopric center during the Byzantine period, lost its importance in the following years by sharing common fate with other cities in the region and it was completely abandoned in the early 13th century.
The History Hidden In Natural Beauty
Phaselis, besides its historical riches, has a magnificent nature and beach. It is possible to visit the ancient city without disturbing too much of the Mediterranean sun thanks to the pine trees that surround it and extend into ancient city.
The first remarkable ruins near the harbors are the city walls built along the seashore to protect the city from pirate attacks in Phaselis. Another important ruins are the magnificent aqueducts built to bring water from Tahtalı Mountain. While the water needs of the city were met by wells and cisterns in the early periods, these arches were built during the Roman period and it was achieved to bring water from long distances, and water was distributed to all parts of the city through the canals. The city center and the southern port ,which serves as the main port, are joined by a 25 meters wide street with smooth stones and the sewage with a drainage system to drain rain water. Roman and Byzantine ruins lie on both sides of this street which forms the main axis of the city. There are two baths, one big and one small. The small bath has details to shed on how the baths were heated during the Roman period. The entrance of the South Harbor can be seen in honor of Roman emperor Hadrian’s visit to the city. In addition, each of the buildings such as the monumental fountain and theater is beautiful enough to take visitors on a journey in history. Even the current ruins prove Phaselis’s glory in ancient time. However, the city is thought to be much larger than it it now. For example, the temple dedicated to Athena, the city’s chief goddness, was thought to have existed, but the structure has not been discovered. Many other important structures are thought to be located.
Source : https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=PHS01&DistId=PHS
