Tower of Gömeç, Ancient Roman watchtower near Kızkalesi, Turkey
Tower of Gömeç is a Roman watchtower standing about 11 meters tall on a hilltop and built from precisely fitted stone blocks using a layering technique called pseudo-isodomum. The structure contained four internal floor levels with an entrance on the south side, designed to serve surveillance and defensive functions.
The watchtower was built during the transition from Seleucid to Roman rule in the second century BC. It was part of a broader defensive network created to combat pirates who threatened the Mediterranean coast.
The tower was part of a Roman coastal defense network that shaped how people lived and moved through Cilicia. Visitors can observe how such structures were positioned to monitor routes and protect settlements in the region.
The site sits on a hilltop, requiring a climb to reach it and view the surrounding landscape from above. The ground can be uneven, so wear suitable footwear and move carefully when exploring the area.
Near the tower, visitors can find remains of other ancient buildings, including a facility for producing olive oil that is still visible today. This discovery reveals that the site served not only military functions but also housed economic activities.
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