Alinda Ancient City

Alinda Ancient City

Alinda, an ancient city situated 20 kilometers west of Çine in modern-day Turkey, was a significant city in the region of Caria. Although little is known about the city, it played a crucial role in the conflict between Prince Pixodarus and Princess Ada, who were both vying for power. In 334 BCE, Alexander the Great took the side of Princess Ada, who surrendered the mountain fortress of Alinda to him. In return, Alexander recognized her as the satrap of Caria and exempted her from participating in the siege of Halicarnassus. The popularity of Princess Ada among the Carians ensured their loyalty to Alexander. As a result, Alinda may have briefly been known as "Alexandria by Latmus." However, it is uncertain if this town is the same as Alinda. According to legend, a sanctuary dedicated to Adonis housed a statue of Aphrodite by the renowned Greek sculptor Praxiteles.

Alinda quickly became Hellenized, and by 255 BCE, the Seleucids established a garrison there. The city's acropolis features parts of Hellenic walls and a two-story square tower. Alinda issued its own coinage from 190 BCE to 230 CE. Following the collapse of the Seleucid Empire, Alinda likely changed hands frequently, but it eventually came under Roman control from 67 to 214 AD.

Alinda Ancient City

Located north of the modern town, the Agora, a Hellenistic market building, is accessible via a steep slope. The first level consisted of individual shops arranged in pairs, opening onto a south-facing terrace. The second floor was a long hall divided by a double row of columns, while the top floor led to an open agora measuring 30 x 30 meters.

Further up the mountain lies a well-preserved theater dating back to the early second century BCE. It could accommodate around five thousand people and was refurbished during the reign of Emperor Augustus. The theater comprised thirty-five rows of seats and was connected to an acropolis by a tunnel. The acropolis featured Hellenistic walls and an impressive tower.

In the valley to the west, there is visible evidence of a magnificent Roman aqueduct.