Side Ancient City
Exploring the Ancient City of Side in Turkey
History
The ancient city of Side, located on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, was founded by Greek settlers from Cyme in Aeolis around the 7th century BCE. Its position on a small peninsula made it a logical stop for trade, particularly due to its natural harbor. The city’s early history is evidenced by a basalt column base from the 7th century BCE, attributed to the Neo-Hittites. Side’s tutelary deity, Athena, was prominently featured on its coinage.
In 333 BCE, Alexander the Great occupied Side, introducing Hellenistic culture that flourished until the 1st century BCE. Following Alexander’s death, the city came under the control of Ptolemy I Soter and later the Seleucid Empire. Despite these changes, Side maintained a degree of autonomy and continued to prosper, particularly after the defeat of Antiochus the Great in 190 BCE, which allowed it to free itself from Seleucid control.
By the 1st century BCE, Side had become a major center for Cilician pirates, which led to its capture by the Roman general Pompey in 67 BCE. Under Roman rule, Side experienced a new period of prosperity, becoming part of the province of Galatia in 25 BCE. The city remained a commercial centre, particularly in olive oil trade, and its population swelled to approximately 60,000 inhabitants. This era saw the construction of many of the ruins that remain today.
However, from the 4th century CE onwards, Side began to decline due to invasions from highland tribes and subsequent Arab raids in the 7th century. Despite a brief revival during the 5th and 6th centuries as a bishopric, the city was ultimately abandoned by the 10th century. The population migrated to nearby Attalia, and Side became known as Eski Adalia, or ‘Old Antalya.’
Remains
The archaeological site of Side encompasses a large promontory, separated from the mainland by a wall and moat. Excavations have been ongoing since 1947, revealing a number of structures. The theatre complex, dating from the 2nd century CE, is one of the largest in the region, with a seating capacity of 15,000 to 20,000. It was later converted into an open-air sanctuary during Byzantine times.
The city walls feature the Hellenistic main gate, known as the Megale Pyle, which dates back to the 2nd century BCE. The colonnaded street, lined with marble columns, leads to the Roman baths, which have been restored and now serve as a museum displaying statues and sarcophagi from the Roman period. The agora includes the remains of the round temple dedicated to Tyche and Fortuna, dating to the 2nd century BCE, which served as a trading center for pirates.
Among the other notable structures are the early Roman Temple of Dionysus, a Byzantine basilica, and a nymphaeum, an elaborate fountain building. Excavations have also uncovered a synagogue beneath a modern residence, as well as an ancient Greek brothel.
The Roman aqueduct, constructed in the 2nd half of the 2nd century CE, extends approximately 30 kilometers and is notable for its numerous bridges and tunnels, designed to maintain a consistent gradient over the hilly terrain. This aqueduct was restored in the early 3rd century CE, financed by a local benefactor.
Side is a popular tourist destination, with its ancient ruins attracting visitors from around the world. The site continues to be a focal point for archaeological research.
