Anatolian Civilizations and Historical Sites - TEDA

ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS:10x19 antik kentler 8/1/11 10:51 AM Sayfa
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Period, Patara, which became the capital of both Lycia and Pamphylia,
also became famous as one of Apollo’s soothsaying centers. Ancient
writers refer to Patara as the birthplace of Apollo as well as the home of
an important oracle, for whom it is said interpreted omens during the
winter in Patara and during the summer in Delos. During the Byzantine
Period, Patara maintained its significance to become an important
center of Christianity. Case in point, St. Nicholas, whom we know as
Santa Claus, was born here. Moreover, St. Paul sailed to Rome from
Patara. The city got a boost in its popularity ratings when Lycia’s only
authorized signatory, Eudemos was appointed the position of Bishop of
Patara at the Nicaea Council, held in 325 AD under the chairmanship of
Emperor Constantinos.
Unfortunately, subsequent to this period, as if rejected by the gods and
saints alike, the harbor of Patara, formerly 1.600 m. long, 400 m. wide,
silted up, preventing seagoing vessels from berthing. Thus, the city’s
importance steadily declined. Over time, the city was overrun by sand
dunes, giving it the appearance of a desert, resulting in the obliteration
of all ruins left standing. In recent years, Prof. Fahri Ifl›k and his team
from Akdeniz University have been trying to dig this spellbinding city
out from under the sand. Let’s take a walk together through one of the
most famous cities in history. On the way to Patara, we may see the
remains of Roman Period, Lycian-style monument tombs. Excavation
work conducted on the tumuli behind these monument tombs in recent
years has revealed a large structure from the early periods which
indicates a temple or palace.
We also notice a monumental portal still standing, apparently the
entrance to the city. According to its inscription, this victory arch was
built in 100 AD by Rome’s Lycian Governor, Mettius Modestus. This
victory arch was also utilized as part of the aqueducts that brought water
to Patara. Before arriving at the arch, one can see the monument tombs
situated in the lower part of the road, along the edge of the lake, which
has taken the place of the ancient harbor. These magnificent tombs have
survived mostly intact to the present. From here, one may notice the
harbor church, measuring 12x9.10 m., with three aisles. This church
remains submerged for most of the year. A large bust of Apollo was
discovered on the hill beyond the city gate, which indicates the
existence of an Apollo Temple, the whereabouts of which are still
uncertain. In fact, what we do know is that during the 1 st century of
Roman rule, the center of the oracle of Apollo fell into disrepair, but that