About Sillyon
On a rocky plateau above the Serik Plain, Sillyon was a strongly defended Pamphylian city. Its Hellenistic towers, main gate and buildings preserve ancient, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman layers on the same acropolis.
History
Settlement extends into the Iron Age, and Sillyon retained the local Pamphylian language for a long time. Known for its defences during Alexander's campaign, it developed as a regional centre under Hellenistic and Roman rule. Theatre, stadium, temples and baths were built on the acropolis. It became an important Byzantine fortress and bishopric, followed by Seljuk mosques, baths and houses. Landslides and erosion complicate the preservation of some structures.
Highlights and principal structures
- Main city gate
- Hellenistic tower
- Theatre
- Stadium
- Temple terrace
- Byzantine fortress and churches
- Seljuk buildings
Historical period
Iron Age–Hellenistic–Roman–Byzantine