Cedrae Ancient City is an ancient settlement located on Sedir Island, within the present-day borders of Muğla province, in the Gökova Gulf. Known in ancient sources as Cedrae, this city stands out due to its geographical location and the transformations it underwent throughout history. Mentioned by ancient writers such as Hecataeus and Xenophon, Kedrai experienced significant development, particularly during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. It is known that the city's name derives from the cedar trees that grow abundantly in the region. Archaeological findings on Sedir Island indicate that Kedrai was both a strategic port city and a religious and cultural center in antiquity.
Location
Referred to as Cedrae in ancient sources, this city was situated near the western end of the Keramos Gulf (Sinus Ceramicus). The island, known today as Sedir Island, forms an archipelago together with two small islets to its north. While the main settlement was originally located on the main island, it was relocated to one of the small northern islets during the Byzantine period.
Sedir Island - Türkiye Kültür Portalı
History
The history of Cedrae dates back to the 6th century BCE. First mentioned by Hecataeus of Miletus, the city gained significance as a coastal settlement from an early period. It became a member of the Attic-Delian League, led by Athens, and regularly paid a tax of 3,000 drachmae to the league. By 439 BCE, this amount had decreased to 2,000 drachmae. Throughout this period, Cedrae remained loyal to Athens, but in 406 BCE, it was besieged and captured by the Spartan commander Lysander. During this siege, the city's population was sold into slavery, leading to significant destruction.
After this catastrophe, Cedrae recovered during the Hellenistic period and came under Rhodian rule. During this time, it was incorporated into Rodos' Peraia (its mainland territories in Anatolia) and administered as a demos (local governing unit). The influence of Rhodian dominance is evident in the Doric-style temple and epigraphic findings found in the city.
In the Roman period, Cedrae maintained its importance due to its strategic location, and the cult of Apollo Kedrieus and Apollo Pythios became prominent. Epigraphic evidence indicates that in the 2nd century BCE, the sculptor Simias was active in the city, and Emperor Vespasian was honored by the inhabitants.
During the Byzantine period, the inhabitants of Cedrae relocated from the main island to the smaller islet to the north, where they established new settlements and built churches. The presence of a carved recess at sea level along the coast suggests the existence of a shipyard, indicating that the city retained its maritime significance during the Byzantine era.
Cedrae was a thriving center for trade, maritime activities, and religious life in antiquity. It reached its peak during the Hellenistic and Roman periods but continued as a small settlement during the Byzantine era.
Urban Layout and Architectural Structures
Cedrae Ancient City exhibits the typical layout of a coastal settlement. The main part of the city was situated on the eastern side of Sedir Island, atop a circular hill. The most notable remains include fortification walls, a theater, a temple, an agora, and harbor structures.
Fortification Walls
The city's defense system was secured by Hellenistic and Roman-period walls, which extended along the coastline and reached the second islet to the north. These walls were approximately 350 meters long, with meticulously crafted towers on the eastern side. The monumental bastion in the southern part is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Hellenistic fortifications. Some sections of the walls remained in use until the Byzantine period, with later modifications.
Theater
The Cedrae Theater is one of the city's most striking structures. It features a horseshoe-shaped plan, characteristic of Hellenistic-period theaters. The cavea (seating area) is largely preserved, divided into nine sections by stairways. Although the exact seating capacity is unknown, the theater is believed to have been relatively large compared to the city's population, suggesting that Cedrae occasionally hosted major events.
Cedrae Theater - Türkiye Kültür Portalı
Doric Temple
Among the religious structures of the city, the most remarkable one is a Doric-order temple. The temple was built on a specially arranged terrace, with wall remains surrounding it, marking its sacred precinct. It is believed that the temple was dedicated to Apollo Cedrieus, one of the most important deities in Cedrae. The friezes of the temple feature triglyph and metope decorations, although no relief carvings are found on the metopes.
During the Byzantine period, this temple was converted into a church, and Christ’s monogram and cross reliefs were carved onto its surface. Additionally, altars adorned with bucranium and garland motifs, found within the sacred precinct, indicate that the temple was actively used for religious rituals.
Agora and Harbor
It is believed that Cedrae had an agora (marketplace and gathering area). Some column bases and architectural fragments unearthed from the sand have helped determine the location of the agora. Moreover, underwater investigations along the coast have revealed submerged remains of the ancient harbor. This harbor indicates that Cedrae was a significant center for maritime trade.
During the Byzantine period, a new settlement area was established on the northern islet, where a large church was built. It is also believed that a shipyard structure was present on the same islet, further confirming that Kedrai remained an important naval base during the Byzantine era.
Economic and Cultural Life
In antiquity, Cedrae was a developed city in terms of maritime trade, agriculture, and religious activities. Since the region was covered with cedar trees, it is possible that shipbuilding and carpentry were common activities. The city’s close ties with Rhodes also contributed to the growth of its trade network.
The people of Cedrae held religious ceremonies dedicated to Apollo and other Greek deities during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, along with cultural events unique to the city. Epigraphic sources suggest that the inhabitants organized theatrical performances and competitions. Additionally, the honorific title bestowed upon Roman Emperor Vespasian highlights the city’s status within the Roman Empire.
