What is rhodiapolis ancient city?
Rhodiapolis: A Glimpse into Ancient Lycia
Rhodiapolis was an ancient city in Lycia, located in modern-day Turkey. Its name, meaning "City of Rhodes," suggests a possible connection or foundation by the island of Rhodes, although concrete evidence is lacking. The city's ruins are situated on a hill overlooking the modern town of Kumluca.
Key Features & History
- Location: Rhodiapolis was strategically positioned in a fertile plain near the coast of Lycia, benefiting from agriculture and trade.
- Founder: While the name implies a connection to Rhodes, the actual origins and founding history remain somewhat unclear. However, it was undoubtedly part of the Lycian League.
- Notable Structures: The most famous structure is the well-preserved theater, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other remains include parts of the city walls, an aqueduct, and Roman baths. The aqueduct is a very important part of the city, because it allows city to grow with enough water.
- Opramoas Benefaction: Rhodiapolis is especially known for its association with Opramoas, a wealthy and influential citizen of Lycia during the 2nd century CE. He provided substantial financial support to numerous cities affected by earthquakes, including Rhodiapolis. Inscriptions detailing his benefactions are found at the site. You can see the trace of Opramoas in the city.
- Roman Influence: Like other Lycian cities, Rhodiapolis came under Roman control, and its architecture and urban planning reflect Roman influences, especially during the Roman Imperial period. Roman baths are one of the known structures in the city.
- Decline: The reasons for Rhodiapolis's eventual decline are not entirely clear, but factors such as earthquakes, economic shifts, and the decline of the Roman Empire likely contributed.
- Earthquakes affected the city many times and it damaged and changed the architecture of the city.
Visiting Rhodiapolis
Today, Rhodiapolis is an archaeological site open to visitors. It offers a chance to explore the ruins of an ancient Lycian city and appreciate its historical and architectural significance. It is located in Antalya province of Turkey.