Selge Ancient City is an ancient city in Altınkaya (Zerk) neighborhood of Manavgat district of Antalya. Located within the boundaries of Köprülü Canyon National Park, the city has a long history dating back to the late 2nd millennium BC and according to historian Strabo, it was founded by Dorian migrations after the Trojan War. Selge, which was under the sovereignty of civilizations such as Lydia, Persia, Alexander the Great, and Rome, experienced a bright period, especially during the Roman period, when its population reached 20 thousand. Today, the remains of many ancient buildings, such as the theater carved into the rock, the walls, and the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Artemis, are intertwined with the current Altınkaya Neighborhood settlement.

^{Selge Ancient City (Türkiye Culture Portal)}

History

The history of the ancient city of Selge dates back to the late 2nd millennium BC. Historian Strabo stated that the city was founded as a result of Dorian migrations after the Trojan War. Selge appeared on the stage of history in the 5th century BC. Located in the geography of Pisidia, the city became an important center surrounded by Phrygia to the north and west, Lycia to the southwest, Pamphylia to the south, and Lycaonia to the east.

Selge, which was under the Lydian Kingdom for a long time, came under Persian rule with the Persian invasion in the 6th century BC. This Persian yoke lasted until Alexander the Great took the region under his rule in the 4th century BC. Selge accepted Alexander the Great's rule without any rebellion.

The city, which gained its independence in the Hellenistic period, lived its heyday during the Roman period. According to Strabo, the population of the ancient city reached over 20 thousand in this period. Selge, which came under Byzantine rule after the Roman period, came under Turkish rule in the 13th century AD and the name "Selge" turned into "Zerk" and became a nomadic settlement. The Byzantine period, when the people of the city became Christianized, took place just before this process.

Ancient City Ruins

The most intact work that has survived from the ancient city of Selge is the theater, which was restored in the 3rd century AD. There are also ruins of a gymnasium, a stoa, a stadium, an agora, and a basilica in the ancient city. To the south of the theater are the stadium and gymnasium, while to the west is an Ionian temple with an eagle motif on the ceiling. Remains of a fountain and agora can be seen south of the stadium. Among the ancient finds of the city are the basic lines of two temples built in the name of Zeus and Artemis and the remains of the city walls. The ruins of the city are intertwined with the current settlement of Altınkaya Neighborhood. The first things that attract attention when arriving in the city are the walls built by the warrior people of Selge to protect their city and the ruins of the theater, which was the center of social and cultural life. In addition, the colonnaded street, baths, and cisterns are among the other ruins of Selge.