Simena (nr. modern Kaleköy, Turkey)

2 or 3 century BCE.

Cavea Width: 21 meters
Orchestra Width: 6 meters

Simena (Kaleköy, Turkey). Cavea: D 21 m, with 6 rows of seats (0.60 m deep), divided into 2 cunei by 3 staircases. Orchestra: D 5.80 m, exceeds semicircle. Nothing remains of a stage or scene house. Date: 3rd or 4th century. Capacity: 300-350). Not excavated (Sear 278).

Simena (Kaleköy, Turkey)

The ancient city of Simena, near modern Kaleköy, was first mentioned by Pliny the Elder in the 1st century CE. However, archaeological evidence, including a Lycian inscription and a silver coin discovered in Aperlai, indicates that the city’s history dates back to the 4th century BCE.

Architectural Features and Function:

The ancient theater of Simena was hewn from living rock and is notable for being the smallest known theater in Lycia, with an estimated seating capacity of approximately 300 spectators. The remains of the cavea (seating area) consist of a 21 meter wide cavea with 6 rows of seats (0.60 m deep), divided into 2 cunei by 3 staircases. The orchestra measures 5.80 meters wide and exceeds a semicircle. Nothing remains of a stage. Date: 3rd or 4th century. Capacity: 300-350. Due to its modest size, scholars debate whether it served as a conventional theater or functioned primarily as a bouleuterion (council house) for local political assemblies.

The theater is believed to have been constructed during the Hellenistic period, around the 2nd or 3rd century BCE. It is located inside a later built, Byzantine fortress castle, which was supposedly built by the Knights of St. John. The castle’s well-preserved walls, featuring distinctive swallowtail battlements, create a striking contrast to the surrounding Lycian ruins.

Historical Background of Simena:

Simena was an ancient Lycian coastal settlement, now encompassed by the modern village of Kaleköy (Turkish for “castle village”). Due to its secluded location, accessible only by foot or boat, the village has retained much of its historical and cultural charm.

• 4th Century BCE: Inscriptions and numismatic evidence confirm that Simena was already an established settlement during this period.
• Lycian League: The city was a member of the Lycian League, forming an alliance with Aperlai, Apollonia, and Isinda, though it never gained significant political or economic prominence.
• Roman Period: Few ancient structures remain intact, but the most significant among them are the Titus thermal baths, which are now partially submerged in the waters of the Kekova region.
• Byzantine Period: The fortification castle is from this period.
• Necropolis: Simena’s necropolis contains numerous Roman-era sarcophagi in the distinctive Lycian style. One of the most famous is a solitary sarcophagus that emerges dramatically from the sea, surrounded by the remnants of ancient pathways now submerged beneath the water.

Excavation History and Current Status:

Currently, no archaeologists are specifically associated with the study or excavation of Simena (modern-day Kaleköy, Turkey). The site remains largely unexplored, and no extensive archaeological excavations have been documented. Consequently, there is a lack of detailed scholarly research or publications focusing on Simena. The information available about the site primarily comes from historical records and limited surveys rather than systematic archaeological studies.

Excavation History and Current Status: 

Currently, there are no widely recognized archaeologists specifically associated with the study or excavation of Simena (modern-day Kaleköy, Turkey). The site remains largely unexplored, and no extensive archaeological excavations have been documented. Consequently, there is a lack of detailed scholarly research or publications focusing on Simena. The information available about the site primarily comes from historical records and limited surveys rather than systematic archaeological studies.

Bibliography / Resources:

“Antalya Simena Archeological Site.” Turkish Museums, https://www.turkishmuseums.com/museum/detail/1972-antalya-simena-archeological-site/1972/4. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

“Antique Theatre in the Ruins of the Ancient City of Simena Along the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey.” Alamy, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-antique-theatre-in-the-ruins-of-the-ancient-city-of-simena-along-the-126494187.html. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

“Kaleköy.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalek%C3%B6y. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Sear, Frank. Roman Theatres: An Architectural Study. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. 

“Simena – History and Facts.” History Hit, https://www.historyhit.com/locations/simena/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

“They Went to the Theatre – Simena and the Heroon of Trysa.” Rome Art Lover, https://www.romeartlover.it/Simena.html. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.