OLYMOS (Kafaca)
An ancient settlement located northwest of Milas, near Kafaca village. The city lost its independence in the 2nd century BC when it merged with Mylasa, known for its temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemisia.
Located about 8 km northwest of Milas, where Kafaca village is situated. In the 5th century BC, it was a member of the Attic - Delian Sea League. Some inscriptions belonging to Olymos were found at the end of the 19th century. According to these inscriptions, Olymos, which made a sympoliteia agreement with Mylasa at the end of the 2nd century BC, lost its independence while remaining free in its internal affairs.
The chief gods of the city, Apollo and Artemisia, bore the title "gods of the people of Olymos." These gods, like Zeus Osogoa in Mylasa, Sinuri in Kalınağıl, Apollo and Artemisia in Hydai, and Zeus in Kasossos, owned land and wealth. This land expanded over time through the purchase of fields and vineyards of citizens in the name of the gods. According to inscriptions, citizens who sold their lands made a lease agreement with the gods and continued to work the same property for a small rent, passing from generation to generation. As long as the rent payments were made regularly, this land could not be rented to anyone else.
Our Historical Cities (15)
BEÇIN (Pezona, Peçin, Barçın)
A historic settlement rising on a plateau overlooking the Milas Plain, with roots dating back to the Bronze Age. The ancient site served as the capital of the Menteşeoğulları Principality in the 13th century.
SINURI
A sanctuary built with red marble blocks in the Kalınağıl village of Milas, dedicated to the Carian god Sinuri. An important center of faith since the 4th century BC.
LABRANDA
The most important pilgrimage center of Carian civilization, situated in the mountains north of Milas among pine forests and water sources. Named after the double-headed axe (Labris) motif, connected to Mylasa by the "Sacred Road".
KHALKETOR (Karakuyu)
An ancient settlement founded at the foothills of Karakuyu Mountain, northwest of Milas, which became a member of the Attic-Delian League in the 5th century BC. Known for its strong defensive system with three different fortresses.
EUROMOS (Ayaklı)
An ancient city on the Milas-Selimiye road, locally known as "Ayaklı" due to its magnificent columns. Home to one of the best-preserved temples in Anatolia, dating from the Roman period.
