1/10 The formerly colonnaded main street of Syedra, on a beautiful winter's day last month. First founded by Greek settlers at an uncertain date, the city reached its zenith in the 2nd-4th century under Roman rule. Pompey visited Syedra prior to his fateful trip to Egypt in 48CE.
2/10 For Rome, Syedra played an important role in countering the threat of piracy in Cilicia, and Emperor Septimus Severus wrote a letter praising the city's efforts. Syedra minted its own coins, from the reign of Tiberius (14CE) to Gallienus (253CE). Picture of the great baths.
3/10 A few more pictures of Syedra's 250 metre long main street which runs from a heroon at one end to some inscriptions at the other heralding the performances of athletes. The buildings along one side had two storeys and several are excavated. Many pillars lie around.
3/10 A few more pictures of Syedra's 250 metre long main street which runs from a heroon at one end to some inscriptions at the other heralding the performances of athletes. The buildings along one side had two storeys and several are excavated. Many pillars lie around.
3/10 A few more pictures of Syedra's 250 metre long main street which runs from a heroon at one end to some inscriptions at the other heralding the performances of athletes. The buildings along one side had two storeys and several are excavated. Many pillars lie around.
4/10 West of the ruins are the remains of a cistern, likely used in the Byzantine period, and supplied by a natural spring coming through the rock and into a cave. There is a small channel that runs out of the cave, and interestingly still provides water to farmers in the area.
4/10 West of the ruins are the remains of a cistern, likely used in the Byzantine period, and supplied by a natural spring coming through the rock and into a cave. There is a small channel that runs out of the cave, and interestingly still provides water to farmers in the area.
4/10 West of the ruins are the remains of a cistern, likely used in the Byzantine period, and supplied by a natural spring coming through the rock and into a cave. There is a small channel that runs out of the cave, and interestingly still provides water to farmers in the area.
4/10 West of the ruins are the remains of a cistern, likely used in the Byzantine period, and supplied by a natural spring coming through the rock and into a cave. There is a small channel that runs out of the cave, and interestingly still provides water to farmers in the area.
5/10 Near the cistern is a small cave where it is thought that baptisms were conducted in Byzantine period. I took a photo through the bars blocking the entry with the flash on and it is possible to see (just) the remains of frescoes, or at least plastering, on the walls.
6/10 Syedra's western gate, close to the baptismal cave, and other buildings in its vicinity. The late afternoon sunlight shining through the trees, coupled with the site's emptiness, made for pleasant exploring.
6/10 Syedra's western gate, close to the baptismal cave, and other buildings in its vicinity. The late afternoon sunlight shining through the trees, coupled with the site's emptiness, made for pleasant exploring.
6/10 Syedra's western gate, close to the baptismal cave, and other buildings in its vicinity. The late afternoon sunlight shining through the trees, coupled with the site's emptiness, made for pleasant exploring.
6/10 Syedra's western gate, close to the baptismal cave, and other buildings in its vicinity. The late afternoon sunlight shining through the trees, coupled with the site's emptiness, made for pleasant exploring.
6/10 Syedra's western gate, close to the baptismal cave, and other buildings in its vicinity. The late afternoon sunlight shining through the trees, coupled with the site's emptiness, made for pleasant exploring.
7/10 At Syedra's acropolis, remains from across the ages have been found, including ruins of a 12th century church, 3rd century pottery and inscribed tablets. One tablet (possibly the one pictured), dates to ~100 BCE and provides advice from the oracle of Claros to Syedra.
8/10 Remains of a temple towards the bottom of the city, with a view of the Mediterranean.
9/10 View back from Syedra towards the somewhat snowy Taurus Mountains (that's a goat with its head down in the foreground).
10/10 Syedra's a great place to visit and ignore the reviews ( @1starchaeology) that complain about the climb. It's really nothing.

This is a view of sunset over the Mediterranean from Syedra's acropolis. A good vantage point for spotting pirates🏴‍☠️
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