Author: tur

The rampart ruins dating back to the Hellenistic era lie in Hydas, 35 km from Marmaris along the Erine Bybassios road, with a square planned monument to the south. There are rampart ruins, remaining from Hellenistic Era in Hydas, 35 km. away from Marmaris on Erine Bybassios road route, and a square planned monument, at south of these ruins. There are several tombs around a watchtower, 3 km from Hydas. The ancient region of Hydas was founded in the Selimiye bay (Kamisli Bay) north of the Bozburun peninsula.

The ancient ruins of Amos are accessible from the Asarcik hill, northwest of Kumlubuk bay. Amos dates back to the Hellenistic period, and is composed of a hillside amphitheatre, a temple and statue pedestals. Surrounded by ramparts dating back to the same time, this amphitheatre is in good condition, with its seating area, side walls and stage with three chambers. Excavations in 1948 by Prof. Bean revealed four inscriptions, which mentioned three rental contracts, thought to date back to around 200BC. There is a minibus running from Turunc to Kumlubuku which passes through Amos.

The ancient city of Physkos is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Marmaris region and offers valuable insights into the rich history of ancient Caria. Located on Asar Hill, just north of modern-day Marmaris, Physkos once served as an important harbor city and commercial center along the southwestern coast of Anatolia.

Founded in antiquity, Physkos occupied a strategic position on the Carian coast, allowing it to flourish as a hub for maritime trade between the Aegean islands, mainland Greece, and the civilizations of Asia Minor. The city became particularly important due to its natural harbor, which provided shelter for merchant vessels and naval fleets traveling through the eastern Mediterranean.

Today, visitors can still explore the remains of this ancient settlement on Asar Hill, where traces of its former grandeur are scattered among the surrounding landscape. Among the most impressive surviving structures are the city walls dating from the Hellenistic period (323–31 BCE). Large sections of these fortifications remain remarkably well preserved, demonstrating the advanced military architecture and engineering skills of the era. These defensive walls once protected the city from invasions and pirate attacks that were common throughout the ancient Mediterranean.

Archaeological findings suggest that Physkos was inhabited by various civilizations over the centuries, including the Carians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. As a result, the site reflects a blend of cultural influences that shaped the history of the region. Although much of the ancient city remains buried or has been lost to time, fragments of buildings, foundations, pottery, and other artifacts continue to reveal clues about daily life in this thriving port city.

The elevated position of Asar Hill not only provided strategic defense but also offers spectacular panoramic views of Marmaris Bay, the surrounding mountains, and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. This combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Physkos a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and travelers seeking to explore the ancient heritage of Turkey’s Aegean coast.

Today, the Ancient City of Physkos stands as a reminder of Marmaris’s long and storied past. While modern Marmaris is renowned as a vibrant tourist resort and sailing destination, the ruins of Physkos preserve the legacy of a city that played an important role in regional trade, culture, and maritime activity for centuries. Visitors exploring the site can experience a unique connection between the ancient world and the modern Mediterranean landscape that surrounds it.