Home
Southern Anatolia (Mediterranean Coast, Antalya, Mersin)
Southern Anatolia (Mediterranean Coast, Antalya, Mersin)
A City You Can Taste
Shielded by the Taurus Mountains, this region developed highly distinct, fiercely
independent coastal cultures.
- Early/Prehistoric (Pre-3000 BC):
- Karain & Beldibi Cave Inhabitants: Some of the earliest known Paleolithic and Mesolithic hunter-gatherer sites in Anatolia.
- BC (3000 BC – 1 BC):
- Luwians: A widespread Bronze Age culture closely related to the Hittites.
- Lycians: Known for their fierce independence, matriarchal tendencies, and stunning rock-cut tombs carved directly into cliff faces.
- Pamphylians & Cilicians: Maritime traders (and occasionally pirates) who controlled the southern shipping routes.
- CE / After BC (1 CE – 1300 CE):
- Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia: A powerful medieval kingdom that allied with passing Crusaders and controlled the southern Mediterranean ports.
