Anatolian Civilizations and Historical Sites - TEDA

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ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS:10x19 antik kentler 8/1/11 10:51 AM Sayfa 168 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
ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS:10x19 antik kentler 8/1/11 10:51 AM Sayfa Opramoas, the philanthropic Lycian whose name is seen throughout Lycia and who himself came from Rhodiapolis, had the town of Patara resurrected. Though the birthplace of the god Apollo, who was one of two children of Zeus and Leto, may be shown to have been several places, it is accepted that he was born in Patara. Apollo is an Anatolian god. In the Iliad, Homer mentions him as Phiobos, which means ‘illuminated’, and ‘the famous Lycian archer, Apollo.’ For this reason, he, along with his Anatolian sister Artemis, always aided the Troians and their Anatolian city, Troia. The name ‘Lycia’ meant ‘Illuminated Nation’ in ancient times, and their head god, Apollo, was perceived to have light in his lineage. Right next to the victory arch is a sarcophagus from the Roman Period. To the west of the sarcophagus are the ruins of the Date Baths. With its floor decorated with thick stones and mosaics, these baths derived their name from the giant date trees next door. These baths belonged to the Roman Period, and were also used during the Byzantine-era. 100 m. ahead is a road sign which was discovered in recent excavations, that was made by Quintus Veranius on the orders of Emperor Claudius, and it is extremely important as it shows the distances between the Lycian cities. This is the world’s oldest and most comprehensive road sign. If you stroll along the asphalt road for a short distance, you will encounter the ruins of a church. From the architectural parts in the inner walls of the church, it is understood that it was constructed of blocks from much older edifices. Walking just beyond this church, you will encounter the Tomb of Marciana in the middle of a long wall, and you will also find the Vespasianus Baths in the west corner of this tomb. They are called the Vespasianus Baths on account of the money he had set aside for their construction. The baths measure 105x48 m. and were partitioned into five sections. In order to see inside the baths, you need to step over the large stones. If we stay on the footpath next to the baths, we shall reach Anatolia’s widest main avenue, which was 12.5 m. wide and covered in marble. Under the main avenue was an advanced sewage system network. There are stoa lined up along the western side of the main avenue, which opens out to several roads. Today, this main avenue spends most of its time submerged. The city’s central baths are located at the eastern end of the avenue, and there are ruins of a small baths complex at the west end. A little further along the road you will encounter the vast walls of a Byzantine fortress. To the east of this fortress is a Corinthian temple that was constructed from ashlar blocks, the owner of which is unknown. Measuring 13x11 m., this 2 nd century AD 169
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Anatolian Civilizations and Historical Sites - TEDA

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