Andriake was one of the significant port cities of ancient Lycia, serving as a strategic gateway providing Myra, located inland, with access to the sea. It particularly distinguished itself as a trade and logistics hub during the Roman Imperial period, playing a critical role in the Mediterranean trade network with its grain warehouses and customs buildings. Today, the ancient port city, which houses the Museum of Lycian Civilizations, draws attention with its rich archaeological remains.

History

While Andriake's history extends back to the Lycian League period, the city experienced its main development during the Hellenistic and especially the Roman Imperial periods. Established as the port of Myra, Andriake began to be mentioned alongside Myra from the 3rd century BCE. During the Roman period, it played a central role in the Empire's grain trade and maritime activities in the eastern Mediterranean. It became one of the main storage and transshipment points for grains arriving from Egypt and distributed to Anatolia. One of the most concrete pieces of evidence for its importance during this period is the magnificent grain horreum and customs building constructed in 131 CE following Emperor Hadrian's visit to Lycia.

Andriake also holds a significant place in Christian history; as mentioned in the New Testament, in the Book of Acts, Saint Paul is recorded to have changed ships here in the 1st century CE on his journey to Rome (Acts 27:5-6). The city maintained its importance during the Byzantine period, continuing to function as the maritime gateway for the Bishopric of Myra, but over time, due to the alluvium brought by the Demre Stream (ancient Myros River), it began to lose its function as a port. This natural process led to the city's loss of commercial vitality and eventual abandonment.

Geographic Location

Andriake is strategically located on the southern coast of the ancient Lycian region, within the borders of modern Demre district in Antalya province, at the point where the Demre Stream (ancient Myros River) flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Its possession of a natural harbor provided sea access for an important Lycian city like Myra, located inland. This geographical advantage made Andriake one of Lycia's busiest ports. Situated on the east-west Mediterranean trade routes, the city played a key role in both the export of Lycia's agricultural products and the distribution of grains from Egypt to Anatolia by the Roman Empire. Neighboring cities include Patara to the west, Olympos to the east, and Myra inland. This transition point between the river and the sea offered Andriake potential for both sea and inland waterway transportation.

Significance in Antiquity

Andriake's significance in antiquity was largely shaped by its geographical location and the provisioning policies of the Roman Empire. As one of Lycia's busiest ports, the city held great economic value. It was particularly one of the main centers for storing and transshipping grains transported from Egypt to Rome and Anatolia. This situation transformed Andriake into a strategic logistical base on an imperial scale. The colossal grain horreum and customs buildings constructed during the Roman period are tangible indicators of this economic vitality and the city's commercial volume.

Politically, Andriake, which held administrative importance as an extension of Myra during the Lycian League period, played a critical role in controlling the Roman Empire's naval power and trade in the eastern Mediterranean. The port provided a safe haven and supply point for both military and civilian vessels. From a religious perspective, it served as an important transit point in Christian history. Saint Paul's change of ships here in the 1st century CE on his journey to Rome demonstrates the city's place in the maritime and communication networks of early Christianity. Furthermore, due to Myra being an important episcopal center, Andriake indirectly shared in this religious significance.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. Andriake functioned as the port for inland Myra, and coins minted in Myra were likely used in commercial activities at Andriake. Coins struck by Myra and other cities of the Lycian League were in circulation in Andriake's economic life during that period.

Archaeological Remains

Andriake, with its rich archaeological remains surviving to the present day, showcases Lycia's prosperity during the Roman period. The best-preserved and most impressive structure belonging to the city is the colossal Roman-era grain horreum and customs building, constructed by Emperor Hadrian in 131 CE. This structure has served as the Museum of Lycian Civilizations since 2016, presenting the history, culture, and archaeology of the Lycian region to visitors.

Within the harbor area, remains of ancient breakwaters and quays are still visible. Furthermore, an agora, bath structures, various church remains, and the presence of a synagogue have been identified in the city. Necropolis areas and rock-cut tombs characteristic of Lycia are also found around Andriake and along the road to Myra. Infrastructure elements such as aqueducts and cisterns also indicate that they met the ancient city's water needs. These remains provide important information about Andriake's intense commercial and social life during the Roman Imperial period.

Today

The ancient city of Andriake is located today in southwestern Turkey, within the borders of Demre district in Antalya province, in the Çayağzı locality. It is quite close to the modern Demre district center and easily accessible by road. The city is situated on the same tourist route as the ancient city of Myra and the Church of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus Church), and is visited by thousands of local and foreign tourists every year. The restoration of the Roman-era grain horreum and its conversion into the Museum of Lycian Civilizations has particularly enhanced Andriake's cultural and touristic importance. Visitors have the opportunity to explore not only the artifacts exhibited in the museum but also the ancient harbor remains and the surrounding natural beauty.