Friday, May 01, 2026

Marmaris – Dalyan Caunos Ancient City / Turkey

City Waters and Gates: Apart from the walls surrounding the acropolis, the city is also surrounded by walls. The walls continue on the façade facing the Balıklar Mountain in the North and Northeast, the Small Castle in the South and Southwest, the Çömlekçi Hill in the West, and today’s Dalyan Town in the North. Although the construction of the walls dates back to the ancient period, it was later repaired. The altitude may reach several meters in some places. Traces of the doors opening into the city wall are also evident in places.

Pottery Hill: It is in the west of the city opposite the Small Castle. It is believed that the part of the trade port between Küçük Kale and Çömlekçi Hill was closed with a chain. There are tombs, ramparts, West Castle and West Gate in the vicinity. It is thought that the castle and walls here belong to the 3rd century.

Small Fortress: It is in the Southwest of the harbor. There is a city wall connection with the acropolis. The door on the city wall surrounding its south catches the eye.

Necropolis (Cemetery) and Rock Tombs: Just like the other ancient cities, Kaunos has a large cemetery outside the settlement area. Different types of tombs stand out in the beautiful view of the cemetery. The most striking of these are the monumental rock tombs belonging to the kings. The rock tombs carved into high rocks are like the symbol of Dalyan today. Some pottery, pottery and other finds found in the rock tombs, the tombs BC. It suggests that it belongs to the 4th century. The tombs look like Lycian rock tombs. The reason for this is that the region is close to the Caria-Lycia border. No rock tombs of this type were found outside of Anatolia.

Especially, the most distinguished examples of rock tombs are encountered in ancient cities in the Lycian Region. Lycian type rock tombs are also found in Kaunos, which is located between Caria and Lycia. It is possible to see the closest examples of these graves in Telmessos (Fethiye). For example, located on a slope in Telmessos and IV. Century BC, the rock tomb thought to belong to King Amnythas and other tombs around it show a great similarity with the examples in Kaunos.

In the selection of the location of the tombs, which were carved in the appearance of a small temple facade, attention was paid to the view and difficult access.

Battle Port and Shipyards: It is stated by historical sources that the ancient city had a war harbor and shipyards on the edge of the Dalyan Canal. The harbor, which coincides with the North side of the acropolis, is completely filled today.

Houses: During the excavations, some early Byzantine house foundations were found on the terrace behind the stoa. It is estimated that the main residential area of ​​the ancient city is the region extending from the sacred temple area to the North and West.

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