Category Archives: Archaeology

Ancient City of Hydas, Mugla, Turkey

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.

Ancient City of Amos, Mugla, Turkey

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.

Ancient City of Olympos, Antalya, Turkey

olympos valley antalya turkey

The ancient city of Olympos is situated on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali. Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olympos Valley, which you can approach by land and sea. The play of light on the quiet pools of water enhance the mosaics in the bath. A temple gate and theatre also remain from antiquity. The outer walls and towers around the bay date from the Middle Ages. North of Olympos up from Cirali Beach, is Yanartas (at a height of 300 meters) where according to mythology the Lycian hero Bellerophon, mounted on his winged horse Pegasus slew the fire breathing monster, Chimaera.

Gas which seeps from the earth burns brightly at night at this site, which the Byzantines also considered a religious area. South of Olympos, tranquil waters and sandy beaches line the Bay of Cavus. Here you can waterski on calm waters, discover the colorful marine life or explore the incredible sea caves on the northern shore.

Ancient City of Ani, Kars

42 km east of Kars, lies Ani, a fascinating medieval town, situated on the ancient Silk Road. This impressive place was once the capital of Urartians, later invaded by the Byzantines and the Mongols, and is located near the Arpacay stream which flows between the Turkish and Armenian Republics. The proximity of this ghost town to the border, places some restrictions on visitors, but the ruins of the mosques and numerous churches, together with the cathedral and the citadel, all inside city walls, are really worth seeing.