Heracleia Ancient City at Latmus Situated near Mount Latmus, at the eastern edge of the Latmian Gulf, the ancient city of Heracleia was founded in the 5th century BC as a Carian city-state. It became a member of the Delian League, contributing an annual tribute of 1 talent. In the 4th century BC, Mausolus seized control of the settlement and redesigned it based on Hippodamian city planning principles, which had also been implemented in Priene and Miletus. Heracleia flourished significantly during the Hellenistic period, thanks to its bustling sea trade. According to Strabo, by the 1st century BC, the city’s wealth had grown considerably, with direct access to the coast. In the Byzantine era, Heracleia gained spiritual importance and became a retreat for monks and hermits. They established numerous churches and monastic buildings along the shores of Lake Bafa and on Mount Latmos. The ancient settlement of Heracleia was encircled by a 6.5-kilometer-long fortification, initially constructed under the rule of Mausolus and later extended by Lysimachus in 287 BC. Featuring a total of 65 defensive towers, these ancient walls remain among the most remarkably well-preserved military structures of their era. The most significant religious monument in Heracleia was the Temple of Athena, situated atop a hill with a view of the city’s remnants. This temple complex included a central inner sanctuary and was surrounded by a columned peristyle, reflecting classical architectural design. The Agora Wall from the Hellenistic era remains impressively intact today, alongside ruins of the Bouleuterion, whose architectural elements indicate a style comparable to that of Miletus. Another significant structure is the Endymion Sanctuary, a small prostyle temple characterized by four columns at the front and a single column at the back. Additional highlights of ancient Heracleia include Roman-era baths and a theater. A Byzantine fortress is also located in the area, featuring rock-cut tombs, some of which are now partially submerged by Lake Bafa. If you have any questions or need further information about the Heracleia Ancient City at Latmus, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us on Whatsapp, and we will get back to you promptly.