Apollonia Ad Rhyndacum and the Sanctuary of Apollo in Mysia, Northwestern Turkey

Abstract

The article describes one of the results of archaeological survey, which is carried out since 2000, at Apollonia ad Rhyndacum in Mysia. The topic found on the preliminary survey on that site and following article published at 20041. Apollonia Ad Rhyndacum is situated on the northern bank of the Lake Apolloniatis (Apolyont, Uluabat) located south of the Propontis (Sea of Marmara), 35 km west of Bursa in northwestern Turkey (Map I). The Lake Apolloniatis is a large and shallow lake with small islands and extensive reed beds; inhabited by wetland birds during summer and passage periods. The lake is linked to the Sea of Marmara via River Kocaçay, while Rhyndacus (River Mustafakemalpaşa) constitutes the main river west of lake. The city situated on a peninsula, which penetrates straight into the lake at its northern shore (Map II). Modern Apollonia called Gölyazı is situated on this part. It is a small fishing village with narrow streets and timberframed houses. Ancient city might have occupied the same area as the Gölyazı village today. It seems that the village follows the ancient grid plan2 (Plan I). Some ruins at this part indicate connection with antiquity. The most impressive example is the ‘podium house’. One can think of it as a monument or even part of the harbour installments 3(Fig.1). It is preserved in situ and its location can be correlated with the ancient city plan. The modern settlement is encircled by a fortification wall. Some parts of it belong to the Hellenistic Period, other parts to Roman and Late Antiquity; in the latter case re-used material can be detected. Nevertheless, official buildings were built at the northern part of the peninsula. The rock-cut theatre was built onto the south slope of Zambaktepe Hill4. It overlooks the modern settlement and it is hardly damaged (cavea is completely damaged). The Stadium is located on the north side of the Zambaktepe Hill5. But unlike the theatre only its west side was built on the slope and the Necropolis is located east of Zambaktepe, on both sides of the ancient road6. The Road was vital for the city being the one and only with the mainland. The width of the road is 2.50 m and was probably connected in the north with the Prusias-Cyzicus main route7.