Phaselis Ancient City, Archaeological site with three harbors in Tekirova, Turkey
Phaselis is an ancient city site on the Mediterranean coast with ruins spread across two hills containing various structures. The remains include theaters, baths, public squares, and street networks that reflect how people lived in ancient times.
The settlement was founded around 690 BC by colonists from Rhodes and served as an important maritime trading center. Over the centuries, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines took control of the place at different times.
The site was named after the ancient goddess Artemis and shows layers of different cultures that inhabited it over time. Walking through, you notice how Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences left their marks on buildings and spaces.
The site is best explored on foot, with paths going across the two hills and offering shade from trees in some areas. Wear good shoes and bring water, as there is limited shelter from sun and the ground can be uneven in places.
The site has three separate harbors - North Harbor, Battle Harbor, and Protected Sun Harbor - each designed to handle different types of ships and goods. This multi-harbor setup was unusual for the time and allowed several kinds of trade to happen at once.
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