Phaselis
Phaselis Southwest Harbor
On the way from Antalya to Çıralı
- Olympos, at about 12 km from Kemer and near the resort of Tekirova is
ancient Phaselis (Faselis), a ruined Lycian city magnificently situated
on a peninsula around three small bays. Phaselis was founded in 690 BC on the border
between Lycia and Pamphylia by Greek colonists. There is some confusion
about the origin of the founders. The sign at the entrance claims they
originated from Argos in mainland Greece, while the more recent sign at
the Southwest harbor states, in Turkish, that the first settlers
came from Rhodes. In antiquity the three bays were used as natural
harbors, making the city prosperous as a port for the shipment of timber,
rose oil and perfume. Phaselis had its trading links stretched as far as
Egypt. In the sixth century BC, Phaselis was overrun by the Persians who
remained in control for the next 200 years. In 334 BC, together with the
whole of Lycia, it fell to Alexander. It is said that he was so enchanted
with Phaselis, that he spent the winter here.
Under Roman rule it became part of the
Lycian Federation, but was soon overrun by Cilician pirates. When the
pirate Zenicetes was defeated by the Romans, Phaselis was reduced to a
mere shell. During the Byzantine period, Phaselis became a fleet base and
a bishopric. Once
again it was threatened by pirates and when Arab vessels added to this in
the 11th century it became totally impoverished. When Seljuks concentrated
their port activity on Alanya and Antalya, Phaselis ceased to exist as a
port.
The ruins are not particularly exciting
and are all from Roman and Byzantine times, but the combination of
ancient remains within a forest
that is surrounded by sea on three sides makes it a beautiful
national park. The Roman aqueduct is the first and most
obvious landmark of the site. It is supposed to have been one of the
longest such conduits of antiquity. Phaselis is located around three small
bays that served as harbours in antiquity and now form excellent swimming
spots with nice beaches. The Roman theatre dates from the second century
and could hold around 1500 people.
Click on the thumbnails to get a greater picture
