Kaunos Ancient City: A Journey Through Time for Old Time Lovers

İrem Uğur
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Founded in the 6th century BC, Kaunos Ancient City is located in the Dalyan neighborhood of Muğla's Ortaca district. According to the legend, twins of Miletos, the King of Kaunos, are born. Among these twins, named Kaunos and Byblis, Byblis falls in love with her male twin. When King Miletus finds out, he exiles his son. Kaunos builds a city on the border of Lydia with those who love him. We have compiled the details of the foundation legend of the ancient city of Kaunos for you. Let's take a look at this legend together.

The legend of Kaunos and Byblis

According to the poet and Roman historian Ovidius, the legend of Kaunos and Byblis is as follows: Byblis falls in love with Kaunos and writes a letter expressing her feelings. After reading this letter, Kaunos felt anger and disgust towards his sister. Kaunos leaves his father's country with those who love him and founds the city of Kaunos. Byblis cannot bear her brother's longing and the insults he receives. Byblis, who cried until her eye springs dried up, committed suicide by jumping from the top of a rock, but the Nymphs (water nymphs) took pity on Byblis and turned her into a spring. According to legend, the labyrinth-like canals in Dalyan were formed by Byblis' tears. Kaunos has such a sad foundation.

How did the ancient city of Kaunos was formed?

The ancient city of Kaunos, which was first mentioned in written documents during the Persian wars (546 BC), was discovered in 1842 by the British archaeologist Hoskyn. Hoskyn revealed that this was the ancient city of Kaunos thanks to the People's Assembly Tablet he found.

Where is Kaunos Ancient City located?

Kaunos Ancient City, which is located in the Koycegiz district of Mugla and fascinates with its magnificent structure, is among the ancient cities that fascinate in Turkey. This ancient city, which attracts a lot of attention with its rock tombs, also attracts the attention of people who are curious about tourism.

Rock tombs of Kaunos Ancient City

These rock tombs dating back to BC are located within the borders of Çandır Village. The rock tombs were built in the 4th century BC and were also used during the Roman Period. For 2800 years, it has survived to the present day by preserving its strength. The niches in which the remains of the ashes of the burned dead were placed were used and closed with a plate.

Who do the rock tombs of Kaunos belong to?

The most magnificent ruins in the ancient city of Kaunos are the rock tombs. These rock tombs are among the most important historical values of Turkey. The rock tombs in Dalyan are thought to belong to kings.

Kaunos Ancient City theater

Built at the foot of the Acropolis, the theater has a seating capacity of 5000 and continues the tradition of Hellenic theaters. With 33 seating rows, the theater, which has hosted many performances, is positioned facing southwest in accordance with the Anatolian tradition. The stage building is low, the orchestra is half round and the lower seating rows are on the same plane. One of the ruins found on the west side of the theater belongs to a basilica-type church, while the others belong to the Roman Bath and Temple.

Kaunos Castle and city walls

The only way out of the Acropolis is the pathway from the slope east of the Theater. The path leads to a terrace. The garrison building and the cistern on the terrace are thought to have been built in the Middle Ages. The ruins of the Acropolis, which are thought to have been built and used in ancient times, are mostly the terraces starting below the summit and extending towards the west.

Kaunos independent state

It is known that during the period when Kaunos issued coins in its own name, Sultaniye (on the edge of Köyceğiz Lake), Pisilis (Sarıgerme) and many other ancient cities around it were affiliated to it and were an independent state. Apart from architectural artifacts, the excavations in Kaunos also revealed many statues, coins, statue bases, amphorae, pediments (diadem), ornaments, oil lamps, figures, vases, pottery and pottery.

Places to visit in Kaunos Ancient City

The structures you can see when you go to Kaunos Ancient City; Acropolis (castle and walls), theater, city walls, bath, church, warehouse, fountain, stoa, agora, city roads, temples, sanctuary, harbor and cemetery. There are also artifacts that have not yet been unearthed, such as the military port, sports center, shipyards and residences.

How to get to Kaunos Ancient City?

You can visit the ancient city of Kaunos by both sea and land. You can reach the ancient city by crossing the sea with the boats used by women. Another option is to take a boat to the archaeologists' house and reach the city with a 5-minute walk. The nearest airport to the ancient city is located in Dalaman.