Alabanda Ancient Site

Alabanda Ancient Site is an ancient Carian city located 4 km from the Cine River also known as Marsyas. It is situated in the Cine district, which is about 45 minutes drive from the city center. It was founded in the 4th century BC, and throughout its history, it was an important city. It remained under Roman, Byzantine, and Turkish rule. According to Strabon, it was a wealthy city, and the people of the city are fond of entertainment. The city's archeological digs began in the early 1900s and were recently continued by the Aydin Museum. The shepherd Marsyas, according to legend, discovered Athena's thrown flute and captivated the audience with his music. Athena gets angry and offers competition. King Midas, on the other hand, was the referee, and the competition ended in a draw. Athena gets angry again and punishes Midas with his donkey ears. Athena cheated Marsyas in the second round and won. The Muses wept for days over this, and their tears formed the Marsyas, which is now only 4 km away from Alabanda ancient city. The ruins of the Dorian and Athena temples, the theater, the agora, and the parliament building can be visited at the ancient site.