Ancient City of Pedasa (Muğla)

Pedasa Ancient City is an ancient settlement located on forested high hills near the district of Bodrum, within the modern-day province of Muğla. This city was founded approximately 3,000 years ago, in the 11th century BCE, by the Leleges, one of the earliest peoples of the Aegean region. Pedasa is known as the largest and most significant of the eight cities established by the Leleges on the Bodrum Peninsula.

Pedasa Ancient City (Culture Portal)

JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

The Leleges were among the earliest indigenous peoples of Anatolia and are regarded in ancient sources as the ancestors of the Carians. These people established numerous small settlements across their region, and Pedasa served as the largest and central among these Leleg cities. The Leleges who lived in Pedasa preferred to build their city on elevated terrain and surround it with thick walls to protect it from enemies.

Pedasa Ancient City (Culture Portal)

HOW AND WHERE WAS IT FOUNDED?

Pedasa is situated approximately six kilometers north of Bodrum center, on wooded hills above Konacık Village. The Leleges chose this elevated location to easily monitor the surrounding area and defend themselves against potential threats.

• Strong Defense: The walls surrounding the city were constructed using dry-stone technique (stacking stones without mortar), demonstrating the strength and sophistication of its defensive system.
• Sanctuary Dedicated to Athena: To the west of the city lay a sacred area (Temple Terrace) dedicated to the goddess Athena.
• Stone Tomb Chambers: Around Pedasa, distinctive burial structures made from local stone can be observed, resembling tumuli and platform tombs.

Pedasa Ancient City (Culture Portal)

WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT?

During the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, Pedasa was one of the most important military and commercial centers on the Bodrum Peninsula. According to the famous historian Herodotus, the people of Pedasa were deeply devoted to their freedom.

• Trade and Agriculture: It is known that the Pedasans engaged in agriculture and exported wine produced from their well-tended vineyards to other regions.
• Key to Understanding Leleg Settlements: Among the eight Leleg cities on the Bodrum Peninsula, Pedasa is the only one for which extensive archaeological excavations have been conducted and the most information has been gathered. As such, it is invaluable for understanding Leleg civilization and their way of life.