Here’s a brief look at the deep-rooted history of the ancient city Herakleia, located on the shores of the Latmos Gulf, which was once an extension of the Aegean Sea.

Looking at its history, B.C. Herakleia, known as Latmos in the 8th century, came under the rule of Mausolos, the Satrap of Caria, during the Persian period. Later, it came under the rule of the Alexander Empire, and during the Asian conquest of Alexander the Great, it came under the rule of the Seleucid Empire.

The metamorphosis of the Latmos Gulf, which was gradually filled with alluvial deposits of the Menderes River, transformed it into the picturesque Lake Bafa we know today. As Herakleia lost its sea connection, transportation difficulties arose, leading to its decline in the 1st century AD. During these difficult times, the city served as a refuge for Christian priests who sought refuge due to difficult transportation conditions.

This year marks the 3rd year of archaeological excavations in the Heraklia Ancient City. The aim of the excavations is to preserve the state of the structures and to create a base for restoration in the next stages.