The Acropolis of Selinus is the acropolis of the ancient city of Selinus, located near Gazipaşa in Antalya province, on the Mediterranean coast of modern-day Turkey. As a significant settlement in the ancient region of Cilicia, this acropolis stands out for its strategic location and its role as home to various civilizations throughout history. The city gained considerable historical importance, particularly after the Roman Emperor Trajan's death there in 117 CE.

History

Situated at the highest and most defensible point of the ancient city of Selinus, the Acropolis of Selinus bears traces of the earliest settlement in the region dating back to the 8th century BCE. Established on the western border of Cilicia, in a location favorable for fertile lands and maritime trade, the city became an important port and commercial center during the Hellenistic Period. With the Roman Empire's annexation of Cilicia, Selinus also came under Roman rule. A turning point in the city's history was the death of Emperor Trajan here in 117 CE, while returning from his Parthian campaign. Following this event, the city was renamed "Traianopolis" in honor of Trajan, gaining significant prestige during the imperial era. During the Roman period, it underwent substantial construction activities, developing with public buildings and infrastructure projects. The city continued its existence into the Byzantine period but gradually lost its importance and was eventually abandoned, particularly due to Arab raids and regional instability.

Geographic Location

The Acropolis of Selinus is strategically located on a natural promontory along the Mediterranean coast. To its north lie the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, while to its south are the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This position provided the city with defensive advantages from both land and sea. While the fertile coastal strip was suitable for agriculture, its harbor made it an ideal center for maritime trade and transportation. In antiquity, due to its location at the western tip of Cilicia, it maintained close commercial and cultural relations with neighboring cities such as Anemurium (Anamur), Syedra (Sekiyolu), and Coracesium (Alanya). The city's acropolis, with its commanding high position overlooking the surroundings, played a key role in controlling the region.

Significance in Antiquity

The Acropolis of Selinus and the city of Selinus to which it belonged were significant centers in antiquity, both economically and politically. Its location on Mediterranean trade routes transformed the city into a port and commercial hub. It is believed that agricultural products and timber, in particular, were exported. The city's political importance became especially pronounced during the Roman period. Emperor Trajan's death here and the city's renaming as Traianopolis granted Selinus a special status in the eyes of the empire. This situation increased the city's administrative and cultural weight in the region. From a religious perspective, it is thought that cults belonging to the Roman pantheon, as well as local Anatolian deities, were present. The Acropolis, as both the physical and symbolic heart of the city, embodied all these significances.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database.

Archaeological Remains

Impressive ancient remains can still be seen today in the area of the Acropolis of Selinus. At the summit of the acropolis, traces of the city's defensive structures and walls are evident. On the slopes, numerous building remains from the Roman period have been unearthed. These include a well-preserved theater, an odeon, baths, structures belonging to the agora, and the city's extensive necropolis. Furthermore, remnants of ancient aqueducts that supplied water to the city are visible. One of the most striking remains is a monumental structure believed to be the monumental tomb of Emperor Trajan, though its precise identity remains debated. These remains allow us to understand the city's architectural splendor and daily life in antiquity.

Today

Today, the Acropolis of Selinus is located within the borders of Turkey's Antalya province, approximately 3 kilometers west of the Gazipaşa district. It is easily accessible from the modern D400 highway. The area is visited by both domestic and international tourists, and the ancient remains function as an open-air museum. Access to the site is generally by road, a short drive from Gazipaşa town center. Visitors can wander among the ruins of the ancient city, journeying into the depths of history accompanied by the unique views of the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains.