Alinda Ancient City

Alinda Ancient City

Alinda, an ancient city located 20 kilometers west of modern-day Çine in Turkey, was an important settlement in the region of Caria. While much of its history remains unclear, it played a key role in the struggle for power between Prince Pixodarus and Princess Ada. In 334 BCE, Alexander the Great supported Princess Ada, who surrendered the mountain fortress of Alinda to him. In exchange, Alexander appointed her as the satrap of Caria and allowed her to remain exempt from the siege of Halicarnassus.

Princess Ada's popularity among the Carians helped secure their allegiance to Alexander. As a result, Alinda may have briefly been referred to as "Alexandria by Latmus", though it remains uncertain if this city is the same as Alinda. According to legend, a sanctuary dedicated to Adonis housed a statue of Aphrodite, crafted by the famous Greek sculptor Praxiteles.

Alinda Ancient City

Alinda was quickly influenced by Hellenistic culture, and by 255 BCE, the Seleucids established a military presence there. The city's acropolis contains sections of Hellenic walls and a two-story square tower. Alinda minted its own coins from 190 BCE to 230 CE. After the fall of the Seleucid Empire, control of Alinda likely changed hands several times, but it ultimately came under Roman control from 67 to 214 AD.

North of the modern town lies the Agora, a Hellenistic market building, which can be reached by a steep incline. The first level featured individual shops arranged in pairs, opening onto a terrace facing south. The second floor consisted of a long hall divided by two rows of columns, while the top floor opened into a spacious agora measuring 30 x 30 meters.

Higher up the mountain, you'll find a well-preserved theater from the early second century BCE. This theater, which could hold approximately five thousand spectators, was renovated during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It featured thirty-five rows of seating and was linked to the acropolis by a tunnel. The acropolis itself contained Hellenistic walls and a striking tower.

In the valley to the west, remnants of a stunning Roman aqueduct are still visible.

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