Theimiussa Ancient City

Theimussa Ancient City is built on a natural harbor where the village of Üçağız, part of the Kaş district in Türkiye’s Antalya province, is located. This ancient settlement, situated directly opposite the Simena Castle on Kekova Island, has the character of a village rather than a city in administrative terms.

Theimussa Ancient City (Culture Portal)

According to Lycian inscriptions, the settlement history of Theimussa extends back to the 4th century BCE. Access to Theimussa is possible via a road branching southward approximately 18 km from Kaş toward Antalya, or by boat from surrounding areas such as Kaş and Finike. Today, the village of Üçağız has been constructed over Theimussa, and the area is protected as part of the Kekova Natural and Archaeological Site.

Theimussa Ancient City (Culture Portal)

Architectural Remains and Features

The most prominent feature of Theimussa is its extensive necropolis filled with block-cut stone sarcophagi carved into the surrounding cliffs. This necropolis is believed to have served as the burial ground for the neighboring city of Simena. However, due to ancient grave robbers, not a single sarcophagus has survived to the present day with its lid intact or unbroken.

Other significant remains visible in the city include:

• Miniature Fortress: A small fortress with bossed and rectangular walls stands along the coastline. This fortress was expanded during the Byzantine period to form a defensive wall encircling the city.

• Akropolis: Located at the point where Theimussa bordered Tybersissos, an akropolis features walls constructed using bossed and rectangular techniques. It is thought to have served as the final line of defense.

• Rock-Cut Tombs: A short distance inland from the shore, there is a double rock-cut tomb in the shape of a house. Above one tomb dated to the 4th century BCE, an inscription in Lycian reads “Kluwanimi” accompanied by a depiction of a young man.

• Sarcophagi and Canal: Especially in the eastern part of the city, numerous sarcophagi from the Late Hellenistic and Roman periods are arranged along a canal whose sides are lined with cut-stone walls.

• Ancient Pier and Wharf: At the eastern end of the city, a pier 28 meters long and 8 meters wide has been carved directly from the bedrock. This pier and wharf, extending along the coast, are supported by small landing stages and staircases to facilitate access for visitors arriving by sea.

Theimussa Ancient City (Culture Portal)

Theimussa Ancient City continues to attract attention today as one of the important coastal settlements of the Lycian Civilization, preserving its historical fabric.