Attouda Ancient City is an ancient settlement area located within the borders of Hisar Neighborhood, Sarayköy district, Denizli province, Türkiye. The city, which is evaluated to have been strategically positioned between the Phrygia and Caria regions in ancient times, became one of the important settlement centers during the Lydian Kingdom and then the Roman Empire periods. Attouda, located near today's Hisar Village, was founded on a dominant hill in the region's topography.

Historical Background

The history of Attouda Ancient City dates back to the 2nd century BC, and it is an urban settlement that continued its existence from the Hellenistic period to the Roman period. Attouda, which is rarely mentioned in ancient sources, reached the status of a city with sufficient autonomy to mint coins, especially during the Roman Empire period. The frequent occurrence of symbols of Asklepios, the god of health, on coins minted in the city indicates that a belief system based on the cult of health was adopted here.

^{Hisar Village Attouda Ancient City (Culture Portal)}

Archaeological Features and Remains

During surface surveys conducted in Attouda Ancient City, traces of an agora, baths, a theater, a necropolis area, and local architecture were identified. Additionally, some building remains believed to belong to the Byzantine period indicate that the city was used as a long-term settlement. Among the most striking structures of the city are rock-cut tombs and remains with stone architecture. Some unearthed column drums and architectural blocks provide information about the construction technique and aesthetic understanding in the region.

Relationship with Hisar Neighborhood

The area where Attouda Ancient City is located is currently within the boundaries of the settlement called Hisar Neighborhood. It is thought that the neighborhood takes its name from this ancient past. The region, known as "Harabe" (Ruin) or "Eski Yerleşim" (Old Settlement) among the local people, is being evaluated within the scope of rural development projects. Ancient remains are protected by neighborhood residents, and some areas are visited by local visitors.

Conservation Status and Current Importance

Attouda Ancient City is on the protection list of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, but it has not yet been the site of extensive archaeological excavation work. However, various plans exist for bringing the historical and cultural heritage of the region to light. Both academic research and tourism-oriented initiatives by local administrations are important for revealing the cultural value of Attouda. The ancient city is considered a part of regional cultural tourism.

^{Introduction to Attouda Ancient City (Denizli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)}