Side

Side is a well-established ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast of Pamphylia, whose name means "pomegranate" in the local Anatolian language. Founded in the 7th century BCE, this important center amassed great wealth through maritime trade, its slave market, and as a pirate haven, and is known for its prolific coinage featuring Athena and the pomegranate motif. Today, with its theatre, Temple of Apollo, and monumental structures, it stands as a significant archaeological and tourist attraction near modern Selimiye.

History

The foundation of Side dates back to the 7th century BCE according to historical records. The city's name, meaning "pomegranate" in the indigenous language of the region, held a significant place in its coinage and cultural identity. Following early periods under Lydian and then Persian rule, it entered the Hellenistic Period with Alexander the Great's conquest of Pamphylia in 333 BCE. After Alexander's death, Side changed hands between the Ptolemies and Seleucids, occasionally regaining its independence and developing commercial and political relations with powerful Hellenistic kingdoms like Rhodes and Pergamon. During this period, the city achieved great prosperity through maritime trade, also becoming a major center for slave trade and piracy in the Mediterranean. Although Roman efforts to suppress piracy in the 1st century BCE (especially during Pompey's era) put an end to these activities in Side, the city experienced a golden age with the Pax Romana, being adorned with significant architectural structures. Side, which became an episcopal see with the spread of Christianity in Late Antiquity, began to be gradually abandoned from the 7th century CE onwards due to earthquakes and Arab raids.

Geographic Location

Side is situated on a small peninsula extending into the sea, where the fertile Pamphylian plain meets the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia. This strategic location provided the city with a natural harbor and thus a unique advantage for maritime trade. The city's hinterland was rich in agricultural products and forested areas, and the export of these goods by sea formed the basis of Side's economic prosperity. To its east lay other important Pamphylian cities like Alara, and to its west, Aspendos and Perge, while the majestic Taurus Mountains stretched to its north. Side's central and protected location made it both a key stop on maritime trade routes and an important actor in the political and military developments of the region.

Significance in Antiquity

Side stood out as one of the most important and wealthiest cities of Pamphylia in antiquity. Economically, it served as a key port in the trade between the eastern and western Mediterranean. In addition to exporting products such as grain, timber, and olive oil from its hinterland, it generated substantial revenues, particularly during the Hellenistic period, by being a major center for slave trade and piracy. This situation persisted until the Roman Empire's operations to suppress piracy in the region. Politically, it was notable for its efforts to maintain independence by pursuing balance-of-power policies among the Hellenistic kingdoms. During the Roman Empire, it continued its existence as an important administrative and commercial center within the provincial structure. Religiously, the city's chief deity was Athena, who was frequently depicted on its coinage. Furthermore, important cult centers like the Temple of Apollo near the harbor, and its status as an episcopal see in Late Antiquity, demonstrate Side's prominence in religious life.

Coinage

Side was an important city that minted its own coinage from the mid-5th century BCE onwards. The silver didrachms and tetradrachms minted in the early periods symbolized the city's commercial power and independence. These coins typically featured a helmeted head of Athena or a depiction of Nike on the obverse, while the reverse displayed the "pomegranate" motif, the city's name in the local language, sometimes accompanied by Apollo or other deities. The pomegranate motif became a powerful symbol of Side's identity and fertility. Silver coinage continued to be minted until the late Hellenistic Period, and these coins were widely used in Mediterranean trade. During the Roman Imperial period, bronze coins were predominantly minted. These bronze coins depicted portraits of the emperors of the time, scenes alluding to the city's mythological origins, significant structures, or local gods and goddesses. This richness and diversity in Side's coinage clearly demonstrate the city's long-term economic stability, cultural identity, and active role in Mediterranean trade.

Side is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 59 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in silver and bronze. Authorities named on the coins include Philip Iii Arrhidaeus and Artumpara. You can browse the city's coins in the Pamphylia coins list.

Archaeological Remains

Today, visitors to Side can witness numerous impressive archaeological remains reflecting the city's ancient grandeur. Among the most striking structures is the Great Theatre, dating to the Roman period, one of Anatolia's largest theatres with a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators. The remains of the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Athena, located in the harbor area and offering a particularly captivating view at sunset, constituted the city's religious centers. The Monumental Gate (Vespasian Gate), the main entrance gate of the city walls, provided a magnificent entry to the city. Additionally, the Colonnaded Street, extending from the Agora to the harbor and lined with shops on both sides, reveals the vibrancy of ancient urban life. The Agora (market place), Nymphaeum (monumental fountain), and various baths have also survived as important centers of the city's social and public life. The Side Museum, located in the ancient Agora, exhibits a rich collection of artifacts unearthed from the region.

Today

The ancient city of Side is located in southwestern Turkey, within the boundaries of Selimiye neighborhood, Manavgat district, Antalya province. It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey and the Mediterranean region. The ancient ruins, intertwined with modern settlement and tourist facilities, offer visitors a unique experience. Side is easily accessible by road, located approximately 65 kilometers from Antalya Airport. Visitors can explore the ancient theatre and temples while also enjoying the amenities offered by modern restaurants, cafes, boutique hotels, and souvenir shops.