Phaselis

Background

Phaselis: An Ancient Greek City

Founding and Early History

Phaselis (Greek: Φασηλίς) was an ancient Greek city established by the Rhodians in 700 BC. Located on the coast of Lycia, Phaselis became a crucial harbor city due to its strategic position on an isthmus that separated two harbors. This prime location enabled Phaselis to become a significant center of commerce, facilitating trade between Greece, Asia, Egypt, and Phoenicia.

Persian Conquest and Delian League

The city was captured by the Persians after they conquered Asia Minor. In 468 BC, Cimon attacked Phaselis, and subsequently, the city was enrolled in the Delian Confederacy, an alliance led by Athens. This inclusion in the Delian League marked a period of Athenian influence in Phaselis.

Alexander the Great and Hellenistic Rule

Phaselis was later captured by Alexander the Great during his conquests. After Alexander's death, the city came under the control of the Egyptian Ptolemaic dynasty from 209 BC to 197 BC. With the conclusion of the Apamea treaty, Phaselis was handed over to the Rhodian Peraia along with other Lycian cities.

Roman Rule and Piracy Threats

From 190 BC to 160 BC, Phaselis remained under Rhodian hegemony before being absorbed into the Lycian confederacy under Roman rule in 160 BC. Like Olympos, Phaselis faced constant threats from pirates in the 1st century BC. The city was even overtaken by the pirate Zekenites until his defeat by the Romans under Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus in 77 or 76 BC. In 42 BC, Brutus linked Phaselis directly to Rome.

Decline and Final Years

In the 3rd century AD, Phaselis once again fell under the threat of pirates, leading to a gradual decline. The city suffered further losses from Arab ship attacks and by the 11th century, it was totally impoverished. When the Seljuqs began to focus on Alanya and Antalya as their primary ports, Phaselis ceased to be a port of any significance.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Phaselis was home to a temple of Athena, where the lance of Achilles was exhibited. The city was also renowned for its roses, from which an essence was extracted. Notably, Phaselis was the birthplace of the poet and orator Theodectes. The city's rich history, strategic location, and cultural heritage mark it as a significant site in ancient Greek and Roman history.