The ancient city of Olympos is located on the southern coasts of Antalya and is known as a port settlement affiliated with the Lycian League. The city is spread across both banks of a river flowing from east to west. In ancient times, the riverbed was enclosed within a canal, with both banks used as docks and connected by a stone bridge. Structures from the Roman and Byzantine periods, which underwent various repairs, have survived to the present day. Among the city's notable ruins are Captain Eudomus’ Lahdi, an Ionic temple, a theater, bathhouses, and a basilica.
Roman-era Bathhouse (Photograph: Servet Uygun, Kültür Portalı)
History
The exact founding date of the ancient city of Olympos is unknown. However, its name appears on coins minted by the Lycian League in 167–168 BCE, indicating that it was an important settlement during that period. Representing the eastern part of the region, it was one of the six cities within the Lycian League that held three votes. During the Hellenistic period, the city developed significantly, and its strategic port secured an important position in trade and maritime affairs.
Toward the end of the 2nd century BCE, Olympos came under the control of Cilician pirates. In particular, the pirate leader Zeniketes turned the city into a base. The pirates’ activities in the region attracted the attention of Rome, and in 78 BCE, Olympos was cleared of pirates by a campaign organized by the Roman consul Servilius Isauricus. Subsequently, Olympos was incorporated into Roman territory and remained for a time as ager publicus (public land). In 43 CE, during the reign of Emperor Claudius, it was restructured as part of the province of Lycia and Pamphylia. Under Roman rule, the city underwent a significant building process; its port, theater, temple, bathhouses, and roads were rebuilt, transforming its appearance.
In the 2nd century CE, the city experienced considerable development and was adorned with monumental structures. Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 130 CE attests to the importance Rome placed on the city. During this period, an Ionic temple and large public buildings were constructed. From the 4th century CE onward, Olympos became a bishopric center in the Early Christian period, gaining religious significance. In the 5th century CE, it was recorded as participating in the consulates of Ephesus and Constantinople. However, during the same period, it again fell victim to pirate attacks. In the 11th and 12th centuries, commercial activities by Venetian and Genoese merchants continued in the region, but in the 16th century, with the Ottoman Empire’s establishment of naval dominance, the city's commercial role was lost. Over time, the city was gradually abandoned, fading into the embrace of nature, and today it welcomes visitors as an archaeological site.
Structures
Olympos Ancient City is notable for its various structures from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The city's architectural features are generally spread along both banks of the Olympos River, which flows from east to west. In ancient times, this river was enclosed within a canal and used as a dock, with its two banks connected by a stone bridge.
Olympos City Plan (Photograph: Turkish Museums)
Temple Gate
The temple gate in Olympos Ancient City belongs to a small Ionic temple built in honor of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (172–173 CE). Located 150 meters west of the Olympos River, this structure is dated to the Roman period. A statue base in front of the gate confirms that the area was dedicated to Marcus Aurelius. The temple is considered one of the city's significant religious and cultural structures. The area surrounding the gate also contains other monumental structures and tombs.
Temple Gate (Photograph: Turkish Museums)
Theatre
The theatre of Olympos Ancient City is situated on the southern coast, near the Olympos River. Constructed during the Hellenistic period, the theatre was restored and reused during the Roman period. Although a small-scale theatre, it is now in a rather ruined state, with part of its entrance still remaining intact. The area where the theatre is located once hosted the city’s social and cultural events. When the city was rebuilt in the 2nd century CE, the theatre was renovated in accordance with Roman architectural features. Its use declined during the Byzantine period, and it eventually fell into ruin.
Bathhouses and Basilicas
The bath structures in Olympos Ancient City date back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. A large bathhouse located in the southern part of the city was built in the 1st century CE. Constructed as part of urban development during the Roman period, this building became one of the important centers of social and cultural life. The bathhouse consists of sections such as the caldarium (hot room), tepidarium (warm room), and frigidarium (cold room). Over time, the structure underwent various restorations and continued to be used during the Byzantine period.
Basilicas were built when Olympos became a bishopric center in the Early Christian period. Basilicas located at different points in the city gained prominence, especially during the Byzantine period. Fresco remnants can be found on the interior walls of these basilicas. One of the most striking basilicas in Olympos is a Byzantine church decorated with frescoes on its interior walls, which served as a religious center during the Christian era.
Captain Eudomus’ Sarcophagus
Captain Eudomus’ sarcophagus is one of the most notable archaeological finds in Olympos Ancient City. It is located right beside the Olympos River, in a rocky niche. The sarcophagus is significant for its emotional dedication inscription and the ship relief on its long side. The inscription mentions Captain Eudomus, and the relief depicts his ship. This sarcophagus is considered one of the most important artifacts that reflect Olympos’s maritime tradition and its identity as a port city. Dated to the Roman period, this tomb was meticulously prepared to commemorate a seafarer. It was unearthed during excavations conducted by the Antalya Museum and introduced to the archaeological community.
Captain Eudomus’ Sarcophagus (Photograph: Antalya İl Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı)
Necropolis Areas and Tombs
The city contains two major necropolis areas. The Northern Necropolis was extensively used during the Roman and Early Byzantine periods and is home to significant structures such as the monumental tomb of Marcus Aurelius Arkhepolis and the sarcophagus of Antimachus. The Eastern Necropolis spreads along the slopes of the Acropolis Hill, where sarcophagi belonging to ship captains are located.
Bridge and Harbor
In ancient times, a stone bridge was built over the river that divided Olympos Ancient City. Today, only one side of the bridge remains standing. The harbor, which connected the city to the sea, was reorganized during the Roman period and became an important center for trade.
Yanartaş (Chimaera) and Hephaistos Cult Site
Located several kilometers to the southwest of Olympos is Yanartaş, a natural formation associated with the mythological Chimaera. Due to its continuously burning gas emissions, this site was considered a cult center for the blacksmith god Hephaistos in ancient times. The area is surrounded by ancient sacred roads and altar structures.
Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is a historic route that passes through Olympos Ancient City and is regarded as one of Turkey’s most important long-distance hiking trails. Stretching approximately 540 kilometers from Fethiye to Antalya, this route follows the coastline of the ancient Lycian region and is surrounded by historical ruins and natural beauty. Olympos forms a 7.5-kilometer section of the Lycian Way. Hikers on this trail pass by ancient city ruins, forested areas, and coastal scenery, reaching important points such as Çıralı and Yanartaş. Along the way, they encounter rock tombs from various periods, ancient settlement areas, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
