|
History Tours - The Romans in Antalya
The Romans first venture in to Southern Turkey came in 189 BC when they assisted their allies in the region, Bergama and Rhodes in their defeat of Antiokhos III king of Seleucia. By 133 BC the area had been ceded to the Romans by the last king of Bergama.
Southern Turkey was recognised for its richness and strategic location by the Romans. For several decades however, they concentrated on the land at the expense of securing the coast from pirates, something that would cause problems later.
By 130 AD, the area was considered secure and important enough for the Emperor Hadrian to visit the province, having lunch near the harbour in the city of Antalya! The visit was commemorated by the construction of Hadrian's Arch.
The Romans never actually left Antalya. After the empire was split into east and west, the eastern empire containing Southern Turkey evolved into Byzantium with its capital of Constantinople, modern day Istanbul.
Roman Monuments and Remains
Like every area the Romans occupied, they left extensive remains in Southern Turkey. Most of the ruins found in the old cities are of Roman origin.
- Aspendos Roman Amphitheatre > built during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius
- City of Patara > birthplace of St Nicolas
- Limyra near Finiki > Cenotaph of Gaius Caesar