Termessos Ancient City

Archaeological Excavations Begin for the First Time in the Ancient City of Termessos

Hidden high in the rugged peaks of the Taurus Mountains, within Turkey’s Güllük Dağı National Park, the ancient city of Termessos is witnessing its first-ever archaeological excavation. Known for its untouched ruins and strategic location, Termessos is now the focus of a large-scale excavation project led by Antalya Bilim University and supported by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism under the “Legacy for the Future” initiative.

The City Alexander the Great Couldn’t Conquer

Founded by the Solymians—descendants of one of Anatolia’s oldest civilizations—Termessos boasts a legendary history. In 333 BCE, Alexander the Great attempted to besiege the city but retreated due to its formidable mountain defenses and near-impenetrable fortifications. Its unique geography has preserved the city for centuries, keeping it free from modern settlements and looting.

Termessos Ancient City
Image: Begüm Aksoy – Faik Güven Yılmaz/IHA

Reconstructing a Monumental Tomb

This year, archaeologists are focusing on a monumental tomb scattered in large stone blocks across the site.
Lead archaeologist Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Koçak shared details:

“The structure was built on a high podium and once housed several marble sarcophagi. Remarkably, 99% of its stones are still on-site. We’ve documented and numbered each block and are now preparing the foundation to reconstruct the tomb. Visitors will soon see what a real ancient monument looked like.”

Termessos Ancient City
Termessos Ancient City excavation head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Koçak with the excavation team

Where Nature and History Coexist

Termessos isn’t just an archaeological gem—it’s a natural sanctuary. Located deep within a national park, the city is surrounded by lush forests, rare plant species, and diverse wildlife. The sounds of birds echo through the ruins, and birdhouses installed on ancient trees create a rare harmony between nature and history. This year, two fox cubs were also reintroduced into the wild within the park.

Termessos Ancient City
Photo: Begüm Aksoy – Faik Güven Yılmaz/IHA

More Than a Tomb: Roads, Temples, and Water Systems

The excavation team will also be working on Termessos’ extensive necropolis, which includes a 500-meter funerary road flanked by tombs and sarcophagi. Many of these structures have collapsed over time and are now being carefully restored.

Other key sites planned for excavation include:

  • The Hadrian Gate, built in honor of the Roman Emperor,
  • The Temple of Artemis, one of the most magnificent ancient temples in Anatolia,
  • Two ancient water systems critical to the city’s infrastructure.
Termessos Ancient City

Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future

Assoc. Prof. Koçak emphasized the broader significance of the project:

“Termessos is only 30 kilometers from Antalya, yet it has remained remarkably well-preserved. By reconstructing these structures and documenting every detail, we aim to transform the city into an educational and cultural landmark—an open-air museum where visitors can walk through history.”

Cover Photo: Begüm Aksoy – Faik Güven Yılmaz/IHA

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