SIDE

Side is an ancient port in the 7th Century BC by colonists JEolians, who had come from the north of Smyrna was founded. The name of Side, the "pomegranate" means, it is assumed that the symbol of the city because it was featured on the local coins. Before and after the Hellenistic period, taking advantage of the natural position of their city built on a long peninsula, the inhabitants of Side were spoiled in the practices of piracy, which were more lucrative than shipbuilding activities. The place was long known as a slave market.In the third Century BC, came under the rule of Ptolemy Side of Egypt and Seleucids of Syria. Of the 2C and 1 Century BC, because of its good relations with Rome, Side, now dedicated to the trade, enjoyed a first period of prosperity.After the founding of the "Pax Romana" (Roman Peace), between the 2-3C AD Side reached its climax when the numerous monuments to see built in this period.In 4C, the city declined overall by the Empire. But in the 5C under the Byzantines, it flourished again as a bishop's seat. Later ruined by earthquakes and looting, the place was completely deserted. A massive settlement took place in 1895, when Turkish immigrants from Crete, settled here.
Today Side has left a charming resort, thanks to the picturesque village of fishermen among the archaeoligical, near the beautiful sandy beaches and resorts of Sorgun and Titriyen Göl in the East Side, and also in the villages of Kumköy and Kamelya West.

The archaeological site includes:

The city walls and the main gate of which led to two colonnades of the Agora and the south of the city.

The Byzantine Basilica

The bathrooms of the Agora, where the museum is very interesting displaid.

The Agora, the center of cultural and commercial activities. Here the prisoners were taken captive by the pirates sold
Slaves.

The theater with the sea as background, is the most imposing monument Side. It had a capacity of 15,000 spectators, who were protected by a 1.50 m / 5 feet wall, were used as gladiators and wild beasts fighting in the late Roman period.The theater was converted into an open-air church in the 5C and 6C.

The monumental gate and the fountain at the entrance to the theater.

The Temple of Dionysus

The temple of Athena and Apollo