Antiphellos Ancient City is located within the borders of Kaş district of Antalya province today and is one of the important port cities belonging to the Lycian civilization. According to ancient sources, the city initially developed as the port of Phellos, and over time, transformed into an independent settlement, gaining political and economic importance at a regional level. The name Phellos, which means "stony country" in Greek, also corresponds to the rocky geographical structure of the region. Kaş's early name is mentioned as "Vehinta", and Lycian inscriptions and coins confirm this name.
Antiphellos Ancient City, Theatre (Pexels)
Historical Process
Traces of settlement in Antiphellos date back to the 6th century BCE, functioning as a port settlement dependent on Phellos in the early period. However, it accelerated its development in the Hellenistic Period, becoming one of the leading cities of the Lycian region in the Roman Period. According to Plinius, sponge trade was carried out in the region, and Antiphellos sponges were known for their particularly soft texture. It took its place as a city with voting rights within the Lycian League, and it is understood from inscriptions that it led an active cultural, social, and commercial life.
Archaeological Remains and Architectural Structures
Theatre
The Ancient Theatre of Antiphellos is located on a slope overlooking the sea and is dated to the Roman Period. The theatre has approximately 26 seating rows; however, the stage building has not survived to the present day. The seating steps were built with neatly cut stones. The structure lacks a diazoma, and the cavea section is quite well preserved. Although a capacity of approximately 4000 people is mentioned in some sources, this number is not definitively provided in academic sources. Today, the theatre hosts cultural events and is located in an easily accessible position in the center of Kaş.
Rock Tombs and Sarcophagi
Numerous rock tombs and sarcophagi have been identified in the necropolis area of Antiphellos. A source dated to 1842 states the existence of over 100 tombs; however, a significant portion of these has been destroyed today. Types of tombs include sarcophagi, house-façade rock tombs, and temple-façade rock-cut tombs. Sarcophagi are situated on high pedestals and are usually covered with pointed, arched, or pedimented lids. The tombs in Antiphellos are a reflection of the Ancestor Cult unique to the Lycian region.
Lion Head Protomes (T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
Sarcophagus with Lions
Located in the center of Kaş, this sarcophagus constitutes an important example of Lycian sarcophagus architecture with its relief decorations. Adorned with lion protomes and inscriptions, this tomb draws attention from both an aesthetic and epigraphic perspective.
Sarcophagus with Lions (T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
Doric Rock Tomb (Tomb I)
Located northwest of the Acropolis, this tomb stands out with its temple-façade architecture. Its four corners are adorned with pilasters, and the friezes feature dancing female figures. With its vegetal-motif klinai and door details, it bears the Hellenistic period architectural characteristics of Lycia.
House-Type Rock Tombs (Tomb II-IV)
Designed as imitations of wooden houses in stone architecture, these tombs are single-storied. Especially noteworthy are the lintels above the doors and the pediment decorations. Inside, there are kline-type burial couches.
Antiphellos Tomb (Generated with Artificial Intelligence.)
Urban Planning and Economy
Antiphellos held an important position in maritime trade thanks to its natural harbor. Especially sponge and timber trade were among the city's main economic resources. Agricultural production also held secondary importance. The Agora served as the center of trade, and remnants of city walls are also found within the urban fabric.
Inscriptions found in the city indicate that the Lycian language was used for a long time and that cultural continuity was preserved. The increase in Latin and Greek inscriptions during the Roman period reveals Antiphellos's multilingual structure and level of cultural interaction.
Current Status and Preservation
The ruins of Antiphellos are currently integrated into the center of Kaş. The ancient theatre is open to visitors and is protected within the scope of restoration and promotion works carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and local administrations. Its use for various cultural events, especially during summer months, supports the ancient city's current function.
