Myra Archaeological Sitevisitor guide.

WHERE KYBELE BECAME ARTEMIS# Once the capital of the Lycian Civilization, Myra's narrative begins with relief rock-cut tombs and reaches the sea at Andriake Harbor. This is also recognized as the sanctuary where Goddess Kybele became Artemis. ONCE SERVED AS CAPITAL Situated between Kaş and Finike, Myra sustained its fame throughout the Middle Ages thanks to Saint Nicholas's bishopric. Ranked among the six prominent cities holding three voting rights in the Lycian League, Myra took its name from the Myros River (Demre Stream). The city's water was supplied by rock-cut channels along the edge of Demre. Like many ancient cities, the silt carried by the river brought the city's eventual decline. Myra lost its importance after being seized in 809 AD following Arab raids lasting from the 7th to the 9th centuries. It experienced its golden age under Theodosius II between 408 and 450 AD, becoming Lycia's 'metropolis' or capital, expanding maritime trade via Andriake port in Çayağzı. TOMBS IN THE NECROPOLIS ARE WELL WORTH SEEING Among Lycian League coins, those struck in Myra's name have been discovered. Inhabitants of Myra, meaning 'place of the supreme mother goddess,' venerated Artemis. Coins represent Artemis in the guise of Kybele, Anatolia's oldest mother deity. Built above the cliff tombs, the city's ancient theater expands downward. The reliefs on tombs on either side and in the river necropolis are well worth seeing. This Roman theater ranks among the few well-preserved ancient theaters surviving today. WHILE YOU ARE HERE The Bird Sanctuary between Çayağzı Harbor and Andriake Ancient City is a must-see for its meandering waters and 149 bird species. Sulfurous waters where the stream meets the sea offer feeding grounds for birds and therapeutic benefits. DOWNLOAD MUSEUM BROCHURE NEARBY MUSEUMS OLYMPOS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE PATARA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE PERGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE SAINT NICHOLAS MEMORIAL MUSEUM PHASELIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE SIDE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE