Heracleia Ancient City at Latmus Located near Mount Latmus at the eastern end of the Latmian Gulf, Heracleia was established in the 5th century BC as a Carian settlement and became part of the Delian League, paying an annual fee of 1 talent. In the 4th century BC, it was conquered by Mausolus, who rebuilt the city using the Hippodamian urban planning principles previously employed in Priene and Miletus. Heracleia enjoyed great prosperity during the Hellenistic era thanks to its thriving maritime trade. In fact, Strabo's account indicates that by the 1st century BC, the city was wealthy enough to have access to the sea. During the Byzantine period, Heracleia became a popular destination for hermits and monks, who built numerous churches and monasteries on the shores of Lake Bafa and atop Mount Latmos. The ancient city of Heracleia was surrounded by a 6.5 km long wall built by Mausolus and expanded by Lysimachus in 287 BC. These walls, which have 65 towers to defend against invaders, are some of the best-preserved examples of their kind. The temple dedicated to the goddess Athena was the most important religious structure in Heracleia. Its remains can be found on a hill overlooking the ruins of the ancient city. The temple consisted of an inner chamber and a colonnade surrounding it. The Agora Wall, dating back to the Hellenistic period, is still well-preserved, as are remnants of the Bouleuterion, which suggest that the building was similar in style to one found in Miletus. The Endymion Sanctuary, a prostyle temple with four columns in front and one in back, is also noteworthy. Other notable ancient buildings in Heracleia include Roman baths and a theater. The city also has a Byzantine fortress that contains tombs carved into rock, some of which are now flooded by nearby Lake Bafa.