Olympos Ancient City Situated on the coastline near Cirali, along the southern slopes of Tahtali Mountain and approximately 70 kilometers from Antalya, the ancient city of Olympos was part of the Lycian League, although the exact time it joined remains unclear. Around 130 BC, during the second century BC, it started producing coins for the League and held three votes, ranking it among the six most significant cities of the League. The ancient city of Olympos features various Roman and Byzantine ruins that attract visitors. The region is enriched by several springs with warm, potable water, supporting the growth of diverse herbs across the landscape. Despite its historical importance, the dense vegetation in the area can cause the ancient city to be easily missed. Beyond its archaeological treasures, the Olympos Ancient City is also noted for its abundant plant life, enhancing its unique charm and allure. Olympos, an ancient settlement located on the southern flanks of Tahtali Mountain near Cirali, is rich with Roman and Byzantine archaeological remains that attract many visitors. The city was a part of the Lycian League and began minting coins for the League around 130 BC, ultimately ranking among the six most prominent cities of the League with three votes. Among the well-preserved structures that remain today are the temple gate, the theatre, northern and southern necropolises, entrance complex, the Alcestis sarcophagus, monumental tombs near the harbor, the harbor basilica, a settlement on the southern slope featuring a bathhouse with mosaic flooring, and the agora. Additionally, the city walls and towers overlooking the bay have survived through the ages. The temple gate, situated south of the Akcay River, is especially captivating. The theatre, with a seating capacity of approximately 5,000 spectators, lies on the northern slope of a hill in the city’s southern area. The Necropolis Church is found in the northwest section, separated by the river. Beyond its ancient ruins, the Olympos Ancient City also boasts a rich variety of plant species that visitors can admire. In the Roman period, Olympos was established as a bishopric under the jurisdiction of the metropolitan see of Myra, the capital city of the province of Lycia. The earliest known bishop of Olympos was Saint Methodius, who served around AD 300 until his martyrdom circa AD 311. Aristocritus took part in both the Council of Ephesus in 431 and the Council of Chalcedon in 451. In 458, Anatolius signed a collective letter from the Lycian bishops addressed to Byzantine Emperor Leo I the Thracian regarding the assassination of Proterius of Alexandria. Ioannes was present at a synod convened by Patriarch Menas of Constantinople in 536. The Metropolis of Myra exercised authority over 36 cities and their bishops, including Olympos. Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via WhatsApp, and we will get back to you promptly.