Theimiussa Ancient City

Theimussa Ancient City is situated on a natural harbor within the village of Üçağız, which belongs to the district of Kaş in Antalya, Türkiye. This ancient settlement lies directly opposite the Simena Castle on Kekova Island. Administratively, it has the character of a village rather than a city.

^{Theimussa Antik Kenti} (Kültür Portalı)

According to Lycian inscriptions, the settlement at Theimussa dates back to the 4th century BCE. Access to Theimussa is possible via a road branching southward approximately 18 km from Kaş toward Antalya, or by boat from surrounding areas such as Kaş and Finike. Today, the village of Üçağız has been built directly atop Theimussa, and the area is protected as part of the Kekova Natural and Archaeological Site.

^{Theimussa Antik Kenti} (Kültür Portalı)

The most prominent feature of Theimussa is its extensive necropolis filled with block-cut stone sarcophagi carved into the surrounding cliffs. This necropolis is believed to have served as the burial ground for the neighboring city of Simena. However, due to ancient grave robbers, not a single sarcophagus has survived to the present day with its lid intact or unbroken.

Other significant remains visible in the city include:

• Miniature Castle: A small fortress with bossed and rectangular walls stands along the coastline. This structure was expanded during the Byzantine period to form a defensive wall surrounding the city.

• Acropolis: Located at the point where Theimussa borders Tybersissos, the acropolis features walls constructed using bossed and rectangular masonry techniques. It is thought to have served as the final line of defense.

• Rock-Cut Tombs: A short distance inland from the shore, there is a double rock-cut tomb shaped like a house. Above one tomb dated to the 4th century BCE, an inscription in the Lycian language reads "Kluwanimi" accompanied by a depiction of a young man.

• Sarcophagi and Canal: Especially in the eastern part of the city, numerous sarcophagi from the Late Hellenistic and Roman periods are arranged along a canal whose sides are lined with cut-stone walls.

• Ancient Pier and Wharf: At the eastern end of the city, a pier measuring 28 meters in length and 8 meters in width has been carved directly from the bedrock. This pier and wharf, extending along the coast, are supported by small landing stages and staircases to facilitate access by sea.

^{Theimussa Antik Kenti} (Kültür Portalı)

Theimussa Ancient City continues to attract attention today through its historical fabric as one of the significant coastal settlements of the Lycian Civilization.