PATARA 2013 EXCAVATIONS

Excavations in Patara, the capital of the Lycian League, which were started in 1988, was continued in several trenches in its 25th year. Trenches on Tepecik, the earliest part of the city, dated the North Bastion to the Hekatomnide Period, 365-334/33 BC. Work done in the Basilica Thermarum adjacent to the Harbour Baths clarified its usage. Excavations were restarted in the City Basilica after a long interim period, providing definitive information on the plan and phases of the building. Dating trenches along the fortifications running from the Council Building towards the Harbour Street showed that the wall might have a much earlier date than the generally accepted dating of the period of Justinian. At the waterway, which was excavated earlier, the trench dividers were removed and conservation work was undertaken on section walls, using adobe mortar. The restoration of the mosaic on the Harbour Street was completed. Studies on the finds and publication were also continued.