The History of Antalya, Türkiye: From Ancient Port to Mediterranean Jewel
The History of Antalya, Türkiye: From Ancient Port to Mediterranean Jewel 🧠 Introduction What makes Antalya more than just a sun-soaked beach destination? Behind the turquoise waters and bustling resorts lies a city steeped in ancient history, culture, and strategic significance. Once a vital Roman port , Antalya has been a crossroads for Lycian kings, Byzantine emperors , and Seljuk sultans . Let’s dive into the story of how this Mediterranean city evolved over centuries into Türkiye's most visited coastal gem. 🏩 1. Early Foundations: Lycian and Hellenistic Beginnings The area around Antalya was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic era , but it gained prominence with the ancient Lycian civilization (15th–5th centuries BCE). Nearby cities like Phaselis , Olympos , and Myra played major roles in Lycian maritime culture. In 150 BCE , King Attalus II of Pergamon founded the city of Attaleia , which gave modern Antalya its name. The city later came under Roman rule and th...