Kaunos

The western end of turkey's Mediterranean coast; rich in ruins and spectacular scenery, with fiord-like bays and pine clad mountains; offes a special experience invisiting the ancient site of Kaunos, at present being excavated by Turkish archaeologists.

Sherds dating from the ninth century B.C have been found on this site but existing ruins on Kaunos date from the Hellinic period (fifth century B.C.) to Roman and Byzantine times.

There is no evidence that the Greeks ever colonised Kaunos and the process of Hellenising the area was begun by Mausolus, the Persian Satrap ( 377 to 353 B.C.) from Mausolus, whose tomb in present day Bodrum was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, comes the word "mausoleum". He was also responsible for the splendid fortifications we can see today.

In cities with non-Greek names it was the custom to invent a founder and so the story goes...That a ruler called Miletus had a son Caunus whose sister Byblis fell in love with him. When he rejected her she hanged herself and it is said that the river below Kaunos is formed by the tears of Byblis.

Alexander the Great who defeated the Persians in 334 B.C. ruled the area until his death in 323 B.C. Troubled times followed. In 190 B.C. the Romans entered Asia Minor. Their government was not good and it wasn't until the Roman Republic was converted to the Empire in 27 B.C. that there was peace and a time of unparalleled prosperity followed, climaxing in the second century A.D.

From the third century A.D. prosperity declined due to incompetent rule, a plague lasting 15 years and an invasion by the Goths. Dalyan Kaunos had other problems too. Malaria was rife and the harbour was gradually silting up making it dangerous for ships. Increasing unrest in Asia Minor during Byzantine times ( from 330 A.D.) impoverished the city. The bronze statues of Kaunos were melted down to make coins. The population of Kaunos gradually reverted to village life as it has remained to the present day.

However, as every year more and more of ancient Dalyan Kaunos is uncovered by archaeologists, it remains a site full of interest to visit and revisit. Unesco is even considering this world heritage for nomination. To explore this fascinating area, I will take you in one a comfortable Turkish boat from Ekincik Bay, along the beautiful rocky coast line to the sand bar, marking the mouth of the Dalyan River. An experience you don't want to miss!