Ancient City of Parnassos

Description

Located near the Şereflikoçhisar district of Ankara, the Ancient City of Parnassos is an archaeological site containing important remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Story

The Ancient City of Parnassos, located southeast of the Şereflikoçhisar district of Ankara, in the Şamlı region, has been an important settlement throughout history. This city, whose ancient name was Parnassos, developed especially during the Roman and early Byzantine periods, becoming one of the administrative and commercial centers of the region. The connection of the city's name with the legendary Mount Parnassus may indicate its cultural and religious significance. Surface surveys and limited excavation works show that the city contains remains of a theater, agora, temples, and residential buildings. Especially during the Roman Empire period, Parnassos experienced a period of prosperity in parallel with the development of cities in the inner parts of Anatolia. The strategic location of the city, being on trade routes, was among the factors supporting this development. The city, which continued its existence during the Byzantine period, hosted basilicas and church structures with the spread of Christianity during this period. However, over time, it was abandoned and turned into ruins as a result of natural disasters, wars, and population movements. Today, although the Ancient City of Parnassos is largely buried underground, visible on the surface...

Visit Tips

• Learning about the history of the region before your visit will help you better understand the ruins.
• If you are visiting in the summer, remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the entire ancient city.
• Bring your camera; the ancient ruins and natural beauty offer great photo opportunities.
• Since there is no comprehensive tourist infrastructure in the region yet, it would be beneficial to bring your own food and drinks.

Photos