Take the main road from Soke to Milas until you reach Lake Bafa. Turn left and continue for a few kilometers until you come to a modern village where you will see the remains of Heracleia. Potsherds have been found which indicate that this site has been inhabited since the 6th century BC.

HeracleiaOriginally called simply Latmus, the city was conquered by Mausolus, King of Caria, in the 4th century BC. He built the massive city walks, up to 3 meters thick and incorporating many defense towers, which stretch from the shores of the lake to high on the slopes of Mount Latmus.

 

At the same time he changed its name to the Greek-style Heracleia, and began to develop its importance as a center for agriculture and seabased trade as well as a fortress town defending the northern boundaries of his empire.

 

Later, under Alexander's rule, the city's importance began to decrease until, with the silting up of the Gulf of Latmus, which effectively created the landlocked lake Bafa, Heracleia's heyday was over.

Greek mythology names Heracleia as the home of the handsome shepherd Endymion, on whom Zeus bestowed the gift of eternal sleep and youth. The moon goddess, Selena fell in love with him as he slept and is said to have borne his fifty daughters.

 

It is still possible to see the Sanctuary of Endymion on the southern side of the city a horseshoe shaped chamber with an entrance hall and pillared forecourt.

Mausolus developed the city in the grid pattern so beloved by the Greeks, on whom he modeled his kingdom. Many of the narrow streets and stone stairs of the old city still remain, as well as evidence of terrace walls, houses and tombs carved from living rock. Many of these are now under water, owing to the raised level of the lake.

 

In the market place, which was originally surrounded by colonnades, can be seen the rows of shops, their doors and windows still clearly defined. On a towering outcrop of rock high above the market place is the temple of Athena, built at the end of the 3rd century BC, much of which is still standing to full height. Also to be seen are the Amphitheater and Nymphaeum, the roman Baths and the nearby Gymnasium.

 

Mount Latmus retained its reputation as a holly mountain at least until the Middle Ages. The remains of the simple dwellings used by monks and hermits can still be seen on the remote hillsides among the rocks, while a Byzantine Castle dominates one end of the city wall on the site of Heracleia's lake fortress.