Old City Wall Trail 1 ~ 10 Pirates Trail Traditional Cache
Old City Wall Trail 1 ~ 10 Pirates Trail
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
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Old City West Wall 1.
At time of placing Cache Contains: Pirate’s badge Turkish Eye Smiley Rubber Thermometer 2 Turkish Bracelets Log Book/ Pencil Founded around the 9th century BC, Caunos became an important Carian city in 400 B.C. Right on the border with the Kingdom of Lycia, its culture reflected aspects of both Kingdoms. The tombs, for instance, are in Lycian style. When Maussolos of Halicarnassus was ruler of Caria, his Hellenistic influence reached the Caunians, who eagerly adopted the culture. This mixture of cultures in Caunos may be seen amongst the ruins of its various archaeological remains: the Carian city wall built by Maussolos, the Lycian and Carian tombs, the medieval walls on the acropolis, a Roman fountain dedicated to Vespasianus, a theatre from the 2nd century BC, remains of 4 temples, massive Roman baths and a Byzantine basilica of 5th/8th centuries. One of the most beautiful features of the site are the rock tombs sculpted in the form of the porticoes of small Ionic temples. These are among the most splendid examples of Lycian type funerary architecture in Turkey, although the builders were Carians. The original occupants of the tombs are obscure but are assumed to have been Caunian noblemen and rulers; in most cases they were reused in Roman times. The largest one is unfinished, providing a curious glimpse of the method of construction. The prosperity of Caunos was threatened by the silting of the harbour after which the city was eventually abandoned. The Mediterranean, which once surrounded the hill on which the archaeological site stands, has now retreated 5 km. to the south, pushed back by silt from the Dalyan Cayi River. The marsh which formed appears to have already been a problem for the harbour activities in the period of Strabo. The people of Kaunos used Iztuzu as a harbour in old times. It is learned from an epitaph that this beach used to be a customs point and the people of Kaunos used to sell salt, slaves and salted fish there. Another surprise waiting for you at the shore is the romantic dance of the sea and the beach. The images that the sea forms are a perfect proof the nature’s unlimited creativity. The beach is 5400 m long. There is no construction allowed except for the changing cabins. Also, in order to avoid any possible damage to the caretta caretta eggs, pets, such as cats and dogs, are not allowed on the beach. At the certain points, it is prohibited to place an umbrella. Caunos lies on the west bank of the river and is therefore, technically at least, Carian - part of ancient Caria. If, however, you've visited any of the Lycian sites further to the East you'll recognise the prominent rock tombs of Caunos as typically Lycian. I Excavations here have been going on for 30 years but much of the city is yet to be revealed, but you will find a good theatre, baths and a Byzantine Basilica in reasonable condition. The rock tombs here fall into 2 categories - simple, rock cut chambers in the lower row on the cliff face and the more ornate temple tombs above. They may or may not be included in a tour of the site so it makes sense to check if you're keen to explore them close up. Highlights of the city site are listed below: • Defensive Walls - to the NW and N of the site, 8m in height and remarkably well preserved in parts. • Acropolis Hill - the 150m summit is capped by Hellenistic ruins, an area of 800 sqm. enclosed by a good ashlar wall. • Theatre - an impressive structure, two arched entrances survive and the climb to the 34th row of seats is rewarded by a fine view across the city towards Suluklu Golu to the west. • Roman Bath - walking NW from the theatre you cross a large palaestra (training ground) and come to the site of the baths. Note the ground plan of a Christian church built in the palaestra. The bath may be restored as a site museum in the future.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
VA GUR GBC BS GUR JNYY.