Üçayaklı ruins, Byzantine archaeological site in Erdemli, Turkey.
Üçayaklı is an archaeological site containing the remains of a Byzantine residential complex situated on a plateau at about 915 meters elevation in the southern Toros Mountains. The ruins include two stone structures and a cistern, with the main building featuring multiple stories and broad windows designed to let in light.
The site functioned as a prosperous rural estate, or villa rustica, during the early Byzantine period, showing that economic activity thrived in this mountain region. The property was eventually abandoned, as were many similar dwellings from this era, likely reflecting changes in settlement patterns or trade routes.
The structures show building practices typical of mountain living, with stone construction designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. The way the buildings are arranged reflects how people adapted their homes to this elevated terrain and its climate.
The site lies roughly 30 kilometers from Erdemli and about 65 kilometers from Mersin, accessible via roads connecting the villages of Küstülü and Hüsametli. The journey involves mountain terrain, so proper footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential for comfortable exploration.
The main building contains an advanced sanitation system with a separate toilet room and sewage pipes, indicating the residents had high living standards for their time. Such facilities were uncommon at this elevation, showing that the inhabitants possessed the resources and knowledge to create comfort in their remote mountain setting.
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