KAS HARBOUR
Kas was one of the most important marine cities and wine production sites of
The Lycian civilization and is now surrounded by rock tombs and ruins of the
ancient city Antiphellos. In one area between the open sea and the hills,
probably the acropolis of the ancient city, lies a rock tomb built with Doric
triglyphs on the facade. Inside the tomb is a frieze of dancing female
figures.
The acropolis was surrounded by a fortified wall, of which
traces are to be seen on the facade facing the island of Meis (Kastellorizon),
three miles across the water from Kas. To the west of Kas stands the
well-preserved ancient theatre, possessing a remarkable view. There are also
rock tombs to the north east of the town, carved into the steep cliffs. On the
western edge of the acropolis, there are traces of a temple, and tombs of the
Roman period are scattered about the town and along the coast.
In the
Hellenic Period, in 133 BC, when the Pergamum King Attalos II turned over his
territory to the Romans, Rome gained control over Anatolia. In addition to the
immense territory around the Mediterranean that they governed, the Romans had
also established rich city states in regions such as Egypt, Palestine, Syria
and Anatolia. At the same time, social, economic and political conditions
changed and the Eastern Mediterranean cities blended in and balanced with
previously existing local sculptural and architectural traditions. Large
statues of gods, powerful leaders and the aristocracy decorated monumental
buildings.
