Lycia Day 7: Chimaera, Olympus, and Phaselis

Among the essential supplies today were roasting spits as we set off to visit Chimaera (map), the location of mysterious unquenchable flames: even if put out with water or earth, they miraculously reignite after a few seconds. The temple (commonly stated as being to Hephaestus/Vulcan because of the flames, though I know of no ancient testimony to this effect) and byzantine church both suggest the phenomenon has been around for a long time.

One of eight I counted

There are now a few theories to explain the flaming, though none has yet gained wide-spread acceptance. In the meantime, it seemed the ideal location for second breakfast as we heard them, and the broader history of the site.


Olympus (map), just down the river from Chimaera, was a true maze of a site, with the ruins set around a river with mountains looming over on every side. The side near the entrance was well-cleared, and boasted some fine sarcophagi.

Olympus

The other side was the more interesting, though, with a Roman theatre and baths set back from the river. The only difficulty, - getting there without tearing my clothes to pieces. Afterwards, the true reason why this site had more visitors than any other so far became clear: the beach.

The beach

Phaselis (map) is also a sea-front site, with no fewer than three harbours in use in antiquity., which are now popular beaches. Around and between the beaches lie the remains of a theatre, various agoras, and more. Most, though, were marching through the site rather determinedly with other goals in mind!

The western harbour in use

The Roman baths from the theatre

all this hubbub...