Selge, Archaeological site in Taurus Mountains, Turkey
Selge is an ancient city in the Taurus Mountains featuring a theater with seating for around 9,000 people, temples dedicated to Zeus and Artemis, and remnants of fortification walls. The ruins spread across a sloped terrain at approximately 1,250 meters (4,100 feet) elevation, with an agora and various structures scattered throughout.
The settlement was founded by Spartans in the 4th century BC and grew into a regional power. At its height, it commanded significant military resources and controlled key trade routes across the Taurus region.
The settlement served as a vital trading hub connecting the Mediterranean coast with inland regions, where residents minted coins and cultivated medicinal herbs. This commercial role shaped the layout and remains visible in the scattered structures across the site.
The site has steep slopes and requires sturdy footwear and reasonable physical fitness to explore properly. Allow plenty of time to navigate between structures, as distances are considerable and the uneven ground demands careful movement.
The ruins contain a sophisticated water system with aqueducts that channeled water from mountain springs throughout the ancient settlement. This engineering achievement reveals the technical knowledge of the inhabitants and remains one of the most striking aspects of the site.
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