PHASELIS (city in Lycia)
Greek and Roman city on the coast of ancient Lycia; ruins north of the modern town Tekirova in the Kemer district of Antalya Province in Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Lycia
- Where
- 36.52° N, 30.55° E
The city possesses three harbours and a lake. Strabo 14.3.9 The mountain Chimæra in Phaselis burns with a continuous flame day and night. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.110 ¶1 Rose perfume produced in Phaselis was considered most excellent and highly esteemed. Athenaeus 15.31
Described in the sources
It is situated on the border of Pamphylia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.26 ¶1 +1 Phaselis is located before Olbia along the coast. Strabo 14.4.1 The mountain Chimæra is located in the area of Phaselis. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.110 ¶1 Thebe and Lyrnessus are shown between Phaselis and Attaleia. Strabo 14.4.1 It is the final town listed along this specific stretch of coastline. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.26 ¶1 A law in this city required foreigners to pay more for bathing than natives. Athenaeus 8.45 A sanctuary of Athena in Phaselis housed a bronze spear dedicated to Achilles. Pausanias 3.3.8 The city of Phaselis stands on land that was purchased from a man named Cylabras. Athenaeus 7.51 Theodectes, a native of this city, has a grave located near an altar of Zeus Meilichius. Pausanias 1.37.4 Phaselis is identified as one of the Dorian cities that jointly founded the Hellenion precinct. Herodotus 2.178.2
Gods and worship
The land of Phaselis is described as worshipping the chaste Diana. Athenaeus 15.31 The inhabitants of Phaselis annually sacrifice salt-fish to honor the shepherd Cylabras as their hero. Athenaeus 7.51
Stories and history
The city was captured by the Roman general Servilius Isauricus. Strabo 14.5.7 Ctesias of Cnidos claims the fire at Phaselis is kindled by water. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.110 ¶1 Phaselis was one of the strongholds belonging to the pirate Zenicetus. Strabo 14.5.7 Alexander marched his army through narrow coastal passes near the city. Strabo 14.3.9 Stratonicus claimed the people of Phaselis were the worst in Pamphylia. Athenaeus 8.42 Lacius bought the land for the city from Cylabras using salt-fish as payment. Athenaeus 7.51 Ctesias of Cnidos states the fire at Phaselis is extinguished by earth and hay. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.110 ¶1 Alexander's soldiers marched up to the middle of their bodies in water during a storm. Strabo 14.3.9 The reputation of Phaselis rose perfume was later eclipsed by perfumes from other cities. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 13.2 ¶1 Philostephanus claims Lacius was sent to Phaselis by Mopsus following prophetic instructions from Manto. Athenaeus 7.51