Description of the attraction
Patara is an ancient city that was one of the six largest and most prosperous cities in the Roman Empire, located in the province of Pamphylia. Patara was the second most important city after Ephesus. Due to its strategic location in ancient Patara, trade was well developed. In addition, it was one of the main seaports in Lycia, especially after its conquest by Alexander the Great. Also, the city was famous for the fact that the Roman governor sat there. Patara was the provincial capital and was called the Chosen City. The number of people inhabiting the city was about 20 thousand. During the Christian era, the city was famous for the missionary work of the Apostle Peter. In the years 260-270, Saint Nicholas the Pleasant was born in Patara. Emperor Vespasian and Emperor Hadrian visited Patara.
In Greek myths, it is said that the god Apollo himself repeatedly visited Patara. On a dais outside the city, a statue of Apollo was found, which is proof that there used to be a temple dedicated to him here. But at the moment it has not yet been found.
When the decline of the Roman Empire began, the city suffered from the encroachments of marauders and pirates. And in the seventh century, wars began with the Arabs. They built a large fleet that became dominant in the Mediterranean countries. Soon Lycia was destroyed, and Patara acquired the status of an ordinary village. Its population was declining, despite the fact that the port of Patara continued to function for many years. The city was constantly outbreak of malaria epidemics due to the wetland, and as a result, it was swallowed up by the sands.
At the moment, the main part of the city is under the sand, but thanks to archaeological finds, historians have restored the former splendor of the city. During the excavations, the ruins of the colonnade that adorned the streets were discovered, the remains of the Byzantine basilica, the arch of Mettius Modest, which remained practically untouched by time. A ruined Corinthian temple and city council building was also found.
