Termessos, Archaeological site in Taurus Mountains, Turkey
This ancient settlement sits at an elevation of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), surrounded by steep rock faces and mountain peaks of the Taurus range above the coastal plain.
Alexander the Great attempted to capture this stronghold in 333 BCE but failed because of its mountain location and the strong defensive position maintained by the Pisidian inhabitants.
The theater was carved into the mountainside to accommodate 5,000 spectators and features ornate stone reliefs depicting mythological stories from Pisidian culture.
Reaching the main ruins requires a 20-minute uphill walk from the parking area through rocky terrain. Wear sturdy footwear and bring sufficient water during hot summer months when temperatures rise considerably.
The necropolis extends across the mountainside with more than 1,200 rock-cut tombs featuring inscriptions in ancient Greek and Latin from different historical periods spanning several centuries of occupation.
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