Ariassos

LITTLE KNOWN ARIASSOS

Sometimes you drive past a place of interest without even realising it. This might have happened to you when passing Ariassos. This ancient site lies hidden in the mountains above Antalya, only 600m from Antalya’s main road to Burdur. Ariassos is the type of site that people seem to need to remember. But it is worth a visit, especially if you prefer a combination of hiking and exploring ruins. Check out this post for a tour of this smaller Pisidian city.

Ariassos In History

Ariassos dated back to the Hellenistic period and was founded around the 3rd century BC. The strategically located city was one of the smaller Pisidian cities, but it still minted its coins during the late Hellenistic period. It continued to do so under Augustus’ rule, when it was part of the Roman province of Galatia, until the era of Gallienus and Salonina. Formerly at the junction between the Pisidia – Pamphilia roads, near Çubuk Boğazı, you’ll find Ariassos opposite the village of Dağbeli, about 50km north of Antalya. Click here to open a map of Pisidia and Pamphilia.

Ariassos first appeared in written sources as one of the thirteen Pisidian cities mentioned by Artemidorus of Ephesus around 100 BC. The city was called Aarassos in these writings, later evolving to Ariassos.

While Ariassos was occupied from the Hellenistic period until the Byzantine period, in the 7th century AD, most of the ruins belong to the Imperial period, including the triple-arched gateway, one of the most striking landmarks at the site. All inscriptions found at the site also date to that period. But there are traces of the Hellenistic fortifications and civic buildings such as a bouleuterion and a small temple. While fragments of Islamic glazed pottery were found on site, there is no evidence to suggest significant occupation of the city beyond the 7th century AD.

The Three-arched Gateway

Anyone visiting Ariassos will agree that the three-arched gateway is, without a doubt, the most prominent remnant at the site. This Roman arch was built between 220 and 240 AD and is almost entirely preserved. It stands at the northeast end of the valley, close to where the current entry of the archaeological site is. There used to be four statues standing on top of it, facing away from the city.

The three-arched gateway is over 18m wide and approximately 6m high. It has two side passages of 2,90m wide and a main course of 4,30m. Today, it still dominates the landscape, and we do not doubt that this was also the case back in the days when Ariassos was still inhabited. The three-arched gateway is a great starting point for your walk around the site.

The Impressive Arched Gateway

The Necropolis

There is more than one necropolis on-site, but the most prominent remains are boarding the road from the valley to the Hellenistic civic centre. The most spectacular tombs are a double-vaulted temple tomb, the masonry of which largely resembles the three-arched gateway. Another dramatic tomb is a rock-cut tomb that overlooks the entire valley.

You’ll also notice a substantial collection of sarcophagi at the top of the site, some of which are relatively well-preserved. In any case, the view alone is worth the trip to the necropolis.

A Fascinating Hike

Visiting here is so much more than seeing an ancient site. This is a perfect spot to hike, located right on the Pisidian Heritage Trail. This long-distance walking trail of 350km connects many archaeological sites in the region. Here’s an overview of the routes. They all have an archaeological site at their start and finish.

• Trebenna to Termessos: 38.3km
• Termessos to Ariassos: 33.7km
• Döşemeboğazı (ancient road) to Sia: 13.1km
• Sia to Melli: 25.2km
• Sia to Kocain Cave to Melli: 30.4km
• Melli to Pednelissos: 61.6km
• Pednelissos to Selge: 48km
• Melli to Kremna: 42.4km
• Kremna to Sagalassos: 54.1km

These photos from our walk around Ariassos give a good impression of what kind of sites to expect along the trail. Check out our other posts on Termessos, Kremna, and Sagalassos for more Pisidian Heritage Trail departures or endpoints.

In short, this site is more than just a quick road stop. It’s a beautiful place to explore in a relatively unspoiled setting. Walking around this ancient city allows you to research a part of the old Roman road connecting Ariassos to Termessos. Somehow, that is a very satisfying experience. Apart from a shepherd and his goats, we were the only visitors enjoying the silent peacefulness of this forgotten city.

Ariassos is a site with facilities. So please ensure you carry water and food and have something to protect you from the sun in the hotter season. If you want this to be an exciting visit, you’ll have a tiny bit of climbing to do. Wearing sturdy shoes is the way to go!

POSTS NEARBY

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• Defeating Alexander the Great conquering Termessos (19 km)
• Susuz Han, a Seljuk masterpiece of exquisite stonework (23 km)
• Incir Han: a peek behind closed doors on the Seljuk caravan road (39 km)
• Wandering the streets of Antalya Old Town (39 km)

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