By Slowtravelguide

Limyra’s Historical Background

Historians believe that Limyra’s Lycian name Zẽmuri is derived from the Hittite word, but so far, no archaeological findings can be traced back to the Hittite period. However, they did find pottery fragments dating back to the 7th century BC on the site.

Judging from the type of domestic architecture in the northern part of the western town, the earliest settlement may have occurred in the 6th century BC.

Ptolemaion At Limyra

When Asia Minor, was invaded by the Galatians, Alexander the Great’s successor Ptolemy II supported the city and saved it. The citizens built a monument for their hero and called it Ptolemaion.

Today, most of it has been destroyed, but after completion, the Ptolemy Temple is a two-piece structure about 30 meters high. It has a cube bottom, decorated with reliefs depicting the war between Greek heroes and knights.

The Submerged Basilica And Colonnaded Street

The Byzantine wall spans the Ptolemaion, and you will be pleasantly surprised when you pass through the door leading to the other side of the wall.

The first impression at Limyra was not that exciting. The greenhouse surrounds the site, and most of the structure that can be seen from the entrance is not that impressive.

Mr Martin Seyer, head of the Limyra excavation team, contacted us after we posted this post and pointed out that Limyra prohibits swimming.

Although we did not see any signs of support for this ban at the scene, we did support his efforts as an archaeologist to protect the submerged ruins from overzealous swimmers. If you are still keen on swimming, the beach of Finike is only a short drive away!

A Walk Through Limyra

A Further walk visiting Limyra will bring you through the so-called experimental archaeology. Although we visited many ancient sites across Turkey, this was the first time we saw an information board with this phrase. The archaeologists even gave their building a name: Andron; this is the men’s room in the ancient house.

This attractive building, mainly made of wooden beams, is to gain insight into the exterior wall style of many Lycian rock tombs. It is believed that these facades imitate wooden buildings. After theoretical research on the model, this expertise was used to create a new space for Limyra’s archaeological mission.

The Excavations At Limyra

These archaeological activities have been ongoing for the past 50 years. During our visit, a team was excavating the area next to the monument built for Gaius Caesar.

The monument is one of Limyra’s strongest still-standing structures. Essentially, it was an empty tomb for the grandson and future heir of the Roman Emperor Augustus, who died in Limyra on February 21, 4 AD. The structure was once decorated with reliefs, some of which are now on display in the Antalya Archeological Museum.

Theater and Roman Baths

Today, the ancient city of Limyra is divided into two by a road. The Roman Theatre sits on the other side of the road, right next to the Roman Baths. The horseshoe-shaped structure is independent, and its original building can be traced back to the 2nd or 1st century BC. In the 1st century AD, it has undergone serious changes after the earthquake caused severe damage to it.

According to the information board next to it, the theatre can accommodate approximately 20,000 spectators under the shade sail.
Today, the theatre is still partially buried, and the four rows of seats are still hidden under the soil.

Part Of Limyra’s Necropolis