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A modern study is shedding light on the enduring architectural traditions of rural settlements surrounding the ancient city of Phoenix, located in modern-day Turkey. Researchers are focusing not on the grand ruins often associated with archaeological sites, but on the persistent use of traditional building techniques – stone masonry, carpentry, and the repurposing of materials – that stretch back centuries.
The research, which centers on the Bozburun Peninsula in southwestern Turkey, also known as the Carian Chersonese, examines how building practices have evolved, or remained remarkably consistent, in the region since antiquity. Phoenix, or Phoinix (Φοῖνιξ) as it was known in ancient Greek, was a significant settlement within this area, flourishing particularly during the Hellenistic period. The study aims to understand how these rural communities maintained their cultural identity through their built environment, even as larger political and economic forces shifted around them.
Phoenix: A Rural Community Rooted in Tradition
Unlike many ancient cities focused on urban centers, Phoenix functioned as a large rural community, with inhabitants primarily engaged in agricultural activities across an extensive territory. According to the Peter Sommer Travels, the settlement was a district (deme) of the Rhodian State, and its activity was concentrated in the surrounding countryside, or “chora.” This agrarian focus appears to have fostered a unique architectural model, integrating farms with ancient agricultural terraces, as noted in research from the Phoenix Archaeological Project.
The area’s prosperity during the Hellenistic period, fueled by Rhodos’ active role in Mediterranean trade, is reflected in the archaeological record. Inscriptions from the site reveal the existence of sanctuaries dedicated to deities such as Apollo, Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, Aphrodite, and Serapis, indicating a rich religious and cultural life. Notably, the inscribed stepped pyramidal tombs found in the necropoleis suggest a period of significant wealth, and development.
Continuity Through the Ages: Building Practices and Materials
The recent study, detailed in MDPI’s publication, focuses on the continuity of vernacular architecture – the building styles and techniques specific to a region and its people. Researchers are investigating how traditional methods of construction, such as stone masonry and carpentry, have been passed down through generations. A key aspect of this continuity is the reuse of “spolia” – architectural elements salvaged from older buildings and incorporated into new structures. This practice not only demonstrates resourcefulness but also serves as a tangible link to the past.
Archaeological work in 2022, as reported in a preliminary report, focused on the Apollo sanctuary/Kızlan church, further illustrating the layered history of the region. The site of Phoenix itself is located near the modern village of Taşlıca, in the Marmaris district, and settlement activity began as early as the 6th century BCE on the Acropolis, known as Hisar Tepe.
What’s Next for the Phoenix Archaeological Project?
Ongoing archaeological campaigns, including fieldwork conducted in 2022 and 2023, continue to uncover new insights into the history and architectural landscape of Phoenix and its surrounding areas. Future research will likely focus on further documenting the evolution of building techniques and the extent to which traditional practices have persisted over time. Understanding these continuities provides a valuable perspective on the resilience and adaptability of rural communities in the face of broader historical changes.
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