Ancient City Herakleia

The origins of Herakleia date back to around 1000 BC, when the predecessor settlement of Latmos was founded by Carians who retreated into the secure rocky landscape of the Latmos Mountains. In the 6th century BC, Latmos fell under Lydian and later Persian rule and participated in the Ionian Revolt. After 494 BC, the city was fortified and joined the Delian League. Around 300 BC, the Hellenistic new foundation of Herakleia replaced old Latmos. The city may have been briefly renamed Pleistarcheia but soon returned to the name Herakleia. In the 2nd century BC, Herakleia gained freedom from Rome and experienced a golden age before becoming part of the Roman province of Asia in 133 BC. Despite its remote location, it was still a significant city in Caria in the 6th century AD.

Herakleia on Latmos is located in modern-day Kapıkırı, in the Muğla province, in the Aegean region of Turkey. The site lies at an elevation of approximately 27 m above sea level at the foot of the Latmos Mountains and directly on Lake Bafa, a former bay of the sea that became a freshwater lake due to silting processes.

Visitors today can explore the impressive remains of the ancient city of Herakleia on Latmos. These include the well-preserved Hellenistic city walls, the Agora, an Athena temple, a partially overgrown theater, and a rock sanctuary dedicated to Endymion. Remains of the former harbor facilities are also visible in the lake.

• Ancient City of Myus (Ancient Structures), approx. 13.5 km away
• Ancient City of Euromos (Ancient Structures), approx. 19.4 km away
• Ancient City of Amyzon (Ancient Structures), approx. 20.2 km away
• Ancient City of Miletus (Ancient Structures), approx. 22.2 km away