Andriake was one of the significant port settlements of the ancient Lycian region. Today, it is located in the Çayağzı area of Demre district in Antalya Province, Türkiye. Serving as the harbor of Myra, Andriake held regional importance both militarily and commercially. Based on ancient sources and archaeological findings, the city's history, urban planning, and structures can be understood in detail.

^{Andriake (Antalya İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü)}

Location and Historical Background

Andriake is situated at the mouth of the Andriakos (Kokarçay) River, approximately 5 kilometers west of the center of Demre. The city's name is mentioned in historical events dating back to around 200 BCE, and it is known that Seleucid King Antiochus III arrived at Andriake with his fleet in 197 BCE. The ancient writer Livy listed Andriake among the southern Lycian cities. The planning of the harbor began during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan, with implementation taking place under Emperor Hadrian. In 18 CE, the visit of Germanicus and Agrippina was commemorated with statues in the city, and in 60 CE, Saint Paul is known to have changed ships at Andriake on his journey to Rome.

Urban Layout and Architectural Features

The ancient city of Andriake largely sprawls at the foot of the hill to the south of the harbor. Upon entering the city from the direction of Demre, visitors encounter a Roman aqueduct that once supplied fresh water. The nymphaeum, located on the eastern side of the city, features an arched entrance and wall niches, reflecting typical Roman architectural style. The most striking structure in Andriake is the granary (granarium) from the Hadrianic period (117–138 CE). This rectangular building measures 65 by 32 meters and consists of eight rooms. Its façade includes eight entrance doors and windows above them for lighting. On either side of the main entrance stand busts of Emperor Hadrian and his wife Sabina. Additionally, the façade displays reliefs of Serapis and Pluto, believed to have been commissioned following a dream of the granary official.

^{Andriake (Antalya İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü)}

Trade and Economic Structure

As one of the prominent port cities of the ancient Mediterranean, Andriake played a central role in the grain trade alongside Patara. One of the two imperial granaries in Anatolia was located here. Excavations carried out since 2009 have uncovered numerous amphora fragments from various regions, providing strong evidence of intense international trade activity. Key structures reflecting the city’s economic life include the granary, agora, harbor street, and ship shelters. The agora, a large marketplace, features a central cistern and is surrounded on three sides by shops.

^{Andriake (Antalya İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü)}

Religious and Social Structures

Excavations in Andriake have revealed that the city housed not only commercial but also religious and social buildings. Among these are the remains of churches from the Byzantine period, a structure believed to be the first synagogue on the Anatolian Mediterranean coast, and various social units. In the necropolis area located in the northern part of the city, in addition to Lycian-type sarcophagi, remnants of two church buildings have been identified.

Murex and Purple Dye Production

Excavations have also uncovered the first known Murex workshop in the region, linked to the production of purple dye in antiquity. Murex is a type of sea snail used to produce the rare and prestigious purple dye, which was reserved for the elite. Remnants of crushed Murex shells have been found in the mortar of structures, providing important insights into Andriake’s economic diversity and production activities.

Relationship with Myra

Whether Andriake was ever an independent city had long been debated; however, recent research confirms that it functioned as the port quarter of Myra. This clarification offers significant data regarding the city’s urban development and its place within the Lycian region. With its unique examples of port urbanism, Andriake holds a distinctive position in the Mediterranean world.