Patara is an ancient city that was one of the six largest and most prosperous cities in the Roman Empire, located in the province of Pamphylia. Patara was the second most nationally important city after Ephesus. Due to its favourable strategic location, trade was well developed in ancient Patara. It was also one of the main seaports in Lycia, especially after its conquest by Alexander the Great. The city was also famous for having a Roman viceroy sitting there. Patara was the capital of the province and it was called the chosen city. The number of inhabitants in the city was about 20 thousand. During the Christian era, the city was known for the missionary work of the Apostle Peter. In 260-270 years in Patara was born Saint Nicholas the Pious. Patara was visited by Emperor Vespasian and Emperor Hadrian.
Greek myths tell us that the god Apollo himself visited Patara many times. A statue of Apollo was found on a hill outside the city, which is proof that there used to be a temple dedicated to him. But at the moment it has not yet been discovered.
When the decline of the Roman Empire began, the city suffered from the encroachment of marauders and pirates. And in the seventh century, wars with the Arabs began. They built a large fleet that became dominant in the Mediterranean countries. Soon Lycia was destroyed and Patara acquired the status of an ordinary settlement. Its population was dwindling, even though the port of Patara was still functioning for many years. Malaria epidemics constantly broke out in the city due to the marshy terrain, and eventually it was swallowed by the sands.
At the moment, most of the city is under the sand, but thanks to archaeological finds historians have restored the former splendour of the city. Excavations have uncovered the ruins of a colonnade that adorned the streets, the remains of a Byzantine basilica, the Arch of Mettius Modestus, which remained virtually untouched by time. A ruined Corinthian temple and a city council building were also found.
