Patara

Quick Summary: Patara was the largest and most important port city of the Lycian civilization, located near the modern village of Gelemis in Kas district, Antalya Province. As the capital of the Lycian League -- often cited as the world's first democratic federation -- Patara housed the League's parliament building (bouleuterion), which seated approximately 1,400 delegates. The city is also traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Saint Nicholas (the historical figure behind Santa Claus), born here around 270 AD. Major monuments include a Roman theatre seating 6,500-8,000, the world's oldest known lighthouse (built 60 AD, standing 26 meters on a three-tiered base), monumental granaries of Hadrian (67 meters long), a triumphal arch, Roman baths, a colonnaded main street, and the remains of an Apollo oracle temple. An 18-kilometer sand beach stretching from the ancient city is a protected Caretta caretta sea turtle nesting site. Patara is on Turkey's UNESCO Tentative List.

1. Why Patara Matters
2. Geography and Setting
3. Historical Timeline
4. Major Monuments and Structures
5. The Lycian League Parliament
6. Saint Nicholas and Patara
7. Archaeological Work
8. The Natural Environment: Beach and Wetlands
9. Visitor Information
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Sources and Further Reading

Why Patara Matters

Patara stands out as one of the most historically significant ancient cities in Turkey:

1. Capital of the Lycian League. Patara served as the primary meeting place for the Lycian League's federal parliament, a system of proportional representative government that operated centuries before modern democracy. The American Founding Fathers, particularly James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, studied the Lycian League as a model when drafting the US Constitution. They explicitly cited it in the Federalist Papers (No. 16 and No. 45).

2. Birthplace of Saint Nicholas. According to longstanding Christian tradition, Saint Nicholas -- the 4th-century bishop whose legend evolved into Santa Claus -- was born in Patara around 270 AD. He later moved to Myra (modern Demre, approximately 60 km east), where he became bishop and where his church and tomb can still be visited.

3. The world's oldest known lighthouse. Patara's lighthouse, built in 60 AD during the reign of Emperor Nero, stands approximately 26 meters high on a magnificent three-tiered square base. An inscription records that it was built by Governor Sextus Marcius Priscus "for the salvation of sailors." It is believed to be the oldest surviving lighthouse in the world with a verifiable construction date.

4. UNESCO Tentative List status. Patara has been on Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2009, recognized for its outstanding universal value as both an archaeological site and a natural habitat.

5. Extraordinary natural setting. The 18-kilometer Patara Beach is one of the longest uninterrupted sand beaches in the Mediterranean and a critical nesting site for the endangered Caretta caretta (loggerhead) sea turtle. The juxtaposition of major archaeological ruins with pristine beach and wetland habitat is globally rare.

6. Oracle of Apollo. Patara housed a renowned temple and oracle of Apollo, described by ancient sources as second only to Delphi in importance. The oracle was believed to be active only during the winter months, when Apollo supposedly left Delos for Patara.

7. Seat of the Roman provincial governor. After Lycia became a Roman province in 43 AD, Patara served as the official seat of the Roman governor, making it the administrative capital of one of Rome's eastern provinces.

Geography and Setting

Patara occupies a peninsula on the southwestern Turkish coast, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of the town of Kas and 70 kilometers south of Fethiye. The ancient city is situated at the mouth of the Xanthos River (Esen Cayi), which was navigable in antiquity, making Patara the primary maritime gateway to the Xanthos Valley -- the heartland of Lycian civilization.

The ancient harbor, once one of the busiest in the eastern Mediterranean -- serving both commercial shipping and the Roman imperial fleet -- has completely silted up over the centuries. The area that was once open water is now a marshy wetland and sand dune landscape. This process of sedimentation actually helped preserve many structures by burying them under protective layers of sand, creating the paradox that the harbor's death ensured the city's archaeological survival.

The famous Patara Beach stretches 18 kilometers to the south and west of the ancient city. Due to its designation as a sea turtle nesting zone, the beach is closed between 20:00 and 08:00 during the nesting season (May-October), and permanent structures are prohibited within the nesting area.

The climate is Mediterranean: hot, dry summers (temperatures regularly exceeding 35C) and mild, rainy winters. The site can be extremely hot in midsummer; spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most comfortable visiting seasons, combining pleasant temperatures with smaller crowds.

The surrounding landscape includes the wetlands of the former harbor (now an important bird habitat), sand dunes stabilized by vegetation, cultivated fields in the Xanthos Valley, and the dramatic rocky coastline of the Lycian shore. The site lies along the Lycian Way (Likya Yolu), Turkey's most famous long-distance hiking trail.

Historical Timeline

Bronze Age and Early Settlement

Archaeological evidence suggests habitation in the Patara area from at least the Late Bronze Age (c. 1400 BC). The name "Patar" appears in Hittite texts, suggesting the site was known to the great Anatolian empire and may have served as a coastal trading point.

Lycian Period (6th-4th centuries BC)

Patara became one of the most important cities of the Lycian League, the federal alliance of Lycian city-states. As one of the League's six largest cities, Patara held three votes in the federal assembly (smaller cities had one or two).

• Oracle of Apollo: Patara housed a renowned temple and oracle of Apollo, said to be second only to Delphi in importance. The oracle was believed to be active only during the winter months, when Apollo supposedly left Delos for Patara. Herodotus mentions Patara in connection with this oracle.
• Mythological connections: According to myth, Apollo's son Patarus gave the city its name. The goddess Leto (Apollo's mother) was also worshipped here, and Lycian religion maintained a distinctive character distinct from mainstream Greek practice.
• Lycian inscriptions: Patara appears in texts written in the Lycian language, confirming its status as a major center of Lycian-speaking culture.

Hellenistic Period (4th-1st centuries BC)

• 333 BC: Alexander the Great's forces pass through Lycia; Patara submits to Macedonian rule without a siege, indicating pragmatic diplomacy.
• 309-305 BC: The city is contested between Alexander's successors (Diadochi), changing hands between Antigonid and Ptolemaic forces.
• c. 205 BC: Patara temporarily falls under Ptolemaic Egyptian control and is renamed Arsinoe after the Egyptian queen -- though the original name was eventually restored.
• 188 BC: After the Treaty of Apamea, the Romans transfer Lycia to Rhodian control; Lycian resistance eventually leads to independence.
• 168 BC: The Lycian League is formally recognized by Rome, with Patara confirmed as its capital and parliament seat.

Roman Period (1st century BC -- 4th century AD)

Patara flourished under Roman rule as both a political capital and a major commercial port:

• 43 AD: Emperor Claudius formally incorporates Lycia as a Roman province; Patara becomes the seat of the Roman provincial governor (legatus Augusti pro praetore).
• 60 AD: The lighthouse is constructed during Nero's reign by Governor Sextus Marcius Priscus. Two inscriptions commemorating the construction have been found.
• 68-69 AD: Baths (the so-called Nero Bath) constructed.
• Late 1st century AD: The granary of Vespasian is built for imperial grain distribution.
• c. 100-130 AD: The granary of Hadrian is constructed, a massive structure approximately 67 meters long -- one of the largest and best-preserved Roman granaries in the eastern Mediterranean.
• 131 AD: Emperor Hadrian visits Patara as part of his tour of the eastern provinces. His visit is commemorated by inscriptions.
• 2nd century AD: Period of maximum urban development; the theatre is enlarged, the main colonnaded street is enhanced, and public buildings reach their greatest extent.
• The Apostle Paul stopped at Patara on his journey to Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 21:1 of the New Testament: "After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara."

Early Christian Period and Saint Nicholas

• c. 270 AD: Saint Nicholas is born in Patara, according to tradition. He later became Bishop of Myra (modern Demre, approximately 60 km east) and the inspiration for the Santa Claus legend.
• 4th-5th centuries AD: Churches are constructed throughout the city as it transitions to a Christian identity. A basilica-plan church has been identified.
• 325 AD: Bishop of Patara attends the First Council of Nicaea, the foundational council of Christianity.

Byzantine Period and Decline

• 7th century AD: Arab naval raids damage the port and city, disrupting maritime commerce.
• The continuing silting of the harbor gradually reduced Patara's commercial importance, as ships could no longer reach the docks.
• By the medieval period, the city was largely abandoned. Sand blown from the beach and dunes buried the ruins, preserving them for future archaeological discovery. The very sand that ended the city's life as a port ultimately saved its archaeological heritage.

Major Monuments and Structures

The Lighthouse (Pharos)

Patara's lighthouse is one of the most remarkable ancient structures in Turkey and possibly the world:

• Date: Built in 60 AD during Nero's reign.
• Height: Approximately 26 meters, rising on a magnificent three-tiered square base. Each tier diminishes in size, creating a pyramidal silhouette.
• Inscription: Two inscriptions record that it was built by Governor Sextus Marcius Priscus "for the salvation of sailors" in the name of Emperor Nero.
• Significance: Believed to be the oldest surviving lighthouse in the world with a verifiable construction date, predating the extant remains of other ancient lighthouses. The famous Pharos of Alexandria, while older, has not survived.
• Restoration: Restoration work has been carried out to stabilize and partially reconstruct the structure, making it one of Patara's most visually striking monuments.
• Function: The lighthouse guided ships into Patara's harbor, one of the busiest ports in the eastern Mediterranean. It also served as a navigational landmark for vessels sailing along the Lycian coast.

The Bouleuterion (Lycian League Parliament)

The bouleuterion is arguably Patara's most historically significant structure:

• Date: Constructed in the early 1st century BC.
• Capacity: Approximately 1,400 people -- an extraordinary size for an ancient assembly hall, reflecting its function as a federal parliament rather than a city council.
• Function: Served as the assembly hall of the Lycian League, where delegates from approximately 23 member cities gathered to vote on common policies, elect federal officials (including the Lyciarch, or president), and adjudicate inter-city disputes.
• Design: A semi-circular seating arrangement (similar to a small theatre) overlooking the theatre and Agora to the east. The acoustic design ensured that all 1,400 delegates could hear the speakers.
• Discovery: Although known to scholars since the 19th century, the bouleuterion was only formally identified during excavations that began in 1988 and confirmed in 1991.
• Restoration: The structure has been partially restored and is one of the best-preserved parliamentary buildings from the ancient world, a physical monument to the democratic ideal.

The Theatre

The Roman theatre at Patara is a major monument:

• Capacity: Estimated at 6,500-8,000 spectators.
• Structure: Built into the hillside south of the bouleuterion, with the cavea (seating area) partially carved from bedrock, reducing construction costs.
• Date: Hellenistic foundations with significant Roman-era enlargement and renovation in the 2nd century AD.
• Features: Well-preserved seating rows, stage building (scaenae frons) fragments with elaborate carved decoration, and the semicircular orchestra area.
• View: From the upper seats, visitors can see across the former harbor to the sea, a vista that ancient theatregoers would have enjoyed during performances.

The Triumphal Arch (City Gate)

A monumental triple-arched gate stands at the entrance to the city's main colonnaded street:

• Dated to approximately 100 AD, coinciding with the period of maximum urban development.
• Served as both a ceremonial entrance to the city and a boundary marker between the city and the harbor area.
• The gate's elaborate carved decoration includes garlands, shields, portrait medallions, and military trophies, reflecting Roman imperial iconography.
• Inscriptions on the arch record dedications to the emperor and local benefactors.

The Granaries (Horrea)

Two major granary buildings have been identified, reflecting Patara's role as a regional grain distribution center:

• Granary of Vespasian (late 1st century AD): Built to store grain distributed through the imperial annona system.
• Granary of Hadrian (c. 100-130 AD): A massive structure approximately 67 meters long and 27 meters wide, it is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman granaries in the eastern Mediterranean. It served as a redistribution center for grain shipped to the province. The structure features thick walls, buttresses, and a sophisticated ventilation system designed to keep the stored grain dry and pest-free.

Roman Baths

Multiple bath complexes have been excavated:

• Nero Bath: Dated to 68-69 AD, one of the earliest identifiable structures of the Roman period at Patara.
• Vespasian Bath: Late 1st century AD.
• Harbor Bath: Located near the ancient waterfront.

Each featured the standard Roman sequence of frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room), along with changing areas, exercise courts, and social spaces.

The Main Colonnaded Street

A broad paved street with columns on both sides connected the triumphal arch at the harbor end to the center of the city. Lined with shops and public buildings, this was Patara's primary commercial and ceremonial thoroughfare. Recent excavations have uncovered 2,000-year-old shops and a stoa (covered portico) along this street.

The Temple of Apollo

Though not fully excavated, the Temple of Apollo once housed the famous oracle. Ancient sources, including Herodotus, describe it as a major pilgrimage destination, particularly during winter months when Apollo was believed to reside at Patara. The temple's exact location within the city has been debated, and ongoing excavations continue to seek definitive identification.

The Lycian League Parliament

The Lycian League (Lycian Federation) is of exceptional historical importance because it represents one of the earliest known systems of proportional representative democracy:

• Structure: The League comprised approximately 23 cities, each classified into three tiers based on size and importance. The largest cities (including Patara, Xanthos, Pinara, Olympos, Myra, and Tlos) had three votes each; medium cities had two; and smaller cities had one.
• Parliament: The federal assembly (synedrion) met in Patara's bouleuterion to elect federal officials, set common foreign policy, adjudicate inter-city disputes, manage shared finances, and coordinate military defense.
• Officials: The League elected a Lyciarch (president/chairman), judges, tax assessors, and other officials through its proportional voting system.
• Taxation: Federal taxes were collected proportionally, with larger cities contributing more -- a principle directly comparable to modern federal taxation.
• Legal system: The League had a federal court system that adjudicated disputes between member cities and enforced common laws.
• Historical influence: The Lycian League's system of proportional representation was explicitly cited by Alexander Hamilton (Federalist No. 16) and James Madison (Federalist No. 45) as a model for the proposed American federal system. The Strabo passage describing the League (Geography 14.3.3) was well-known to the Founders.

The bouleuterion at Patara is therefore not just an ancient ruin -- it is one of the physical birthplaces of the democratic federal idea that influenced modern governance worldwide. When visitors walk through this assembly hall, they are standing in a space where representative democracy was practiced two millennia before the United States Constitution was written.

Saint Nicholas and Patara

The connection between Patara and Saint Nicholas (c. 270-343 AD) is one of the city's most celebrated cultural legacies:

• Nicholas was born in Patara to wealthy Christian parents. His family's wealth enabled him to practice the anonymous gift-giving that later became the defining characteristic of the Santa Claus legend.
• He became Bishop of Myra (modern Demre, approximately 60 km east of Patara), where he gained fame for his piety, generosity, and defense of the faith.
• Nicholas attended the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD), the foundational council of Christian orthodoxy.
• His legend grew enormously after his death, spreading across the Mediterranean, Byzantine Empire, and eventually to northern Europe, where he was transformed into Sinterklaas (Dutch) and eventually Santa Claus.
• Patara thus claims the distinction of being the birthplace of one of history's most universally recognized cultural figures.

Archaeological Work

Patara has a rich history of archaeological exploration:

• 19th century: English, French, and German scholars -- including Charles Fellows and the British Museum expeditions -- visited and documented the visible ruins, many of which were partially buried under windblown sand. Important Lycian inscriptions and sculptural fragments were removed to European museums during this period.
• 1988: Systematic excavations begin under Prof. Fahri Isik of Akdeniz University (Antalya). This inaugurated the modern era of Patara archaeology, with annual campaigns continuing ever since.
• 1991: The bouleuterion is formally identified during excavations as the parliament of the Lycian League.
• 2009: Excavation directorship passes to Prof. Havva Iskan Isik of Akdeniz University, who continues the systematic uncovering and documentation of the site.
• Recent seasons: Annual excavation campaigns continue to reveal new structures, inscriptions, and finds. Major areas of recent work include the harbor zone, the lighthouse restoration, the main colonnaded street (including 2,000-year-old shops and a stoa), and the bath complexes.

The sand that buried Patara for centuries served as an excellent preserving agent, meaning that structures emerge from excavation in remarkably good condition compared to sites that remained exposed to weathering. This makes Patara one of the most archaeologically productive sites in Turkey, with major discoveries reported nearly every season.

The Natural Environment: Beach and Wetlands

Patara's natural setting is as remarkable as its archaeological heritage:

Patara Beach

• Stretches 18 kilometers along the coast, one of the longest uninterrupted sand beaches in the Mediterranean basin
• Fine white sand backed by dunes and vegetation
• Designated as a Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) nesting site, with beach closures enforced between 20:00 and 08:00 during the nesting season (May-October)
• No permanent structures are permitted within the nesting zone, preserving the beach's natural character
• The same entrance ticket that covers the archaeological site provides access to the beach

Wetlands and Bird Habitat

• The former harbor area has evolved into a significant wetland ecosystem supporting diverse bird populations
• Species observed include herons, egrets, kingfishers, and migratory waterfowl
• The wetlands serve as an important stopover point for birds migrating between Europe and Africa
• Birdwatching is possible from several vantage points around the former harbor margins

Conservation Status

• Patara's combination of archaeological heritage and natural habitat has earned it a place on Turkey's UNESCO Tentative List (since 2009)
• The site is managed to balance archaeological research, tourism, and environmental protection
• The ban on permanent beach structures and the nighttime closures during turtle nesting season reflect this conservation commitment

Visitor Information

Getting There

• From Kas (40 km west): Drive east on D-400, turn south at the Patara/Gelemis junction. The village of Gelemis is 2 km from the highway; the archaeological site entrance is in the village.
• From Fethiye (70 km north): Drive south on D-400 to the Patara junction.
• From Antalya (220 km east): Take D-400 west through Kas.
• Dolmus (shared minibus) services run regularly from Kas and Fethiye to Gelemis throughout the day during the tourist season.

Entrance and Hours

Patara is an officially managed archaeological site with an entrance fee (MuzeKart/Museum Pass Turkey accepted). The ticket also provides access to Patara Beach. Opening hours are typically 08:30-19:00 in summer, shorter in winter. Check current hours before visiting.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March-May): Wildflowers carpet the landscape, comfortable temperatures (20-28C), fewer crowds. The wetlands are alive with bird life. This is the best season for combining archaeology and nature.
• Autumn (September-November): Warm swimming weather, golden light for photography, manageable temperatures for ruins exploration.
• Summer (June-August): Very hot (often above 35C); visit the ruins early morning, then enjoy the beach in the afternoon.
• Winter (December-February): Mild (10-18C); excellent for quiet exploration of the ruins without crowds or heat. The beach is beautiful but swimming is cool.

Duration

The archaeological site alone requires 2 to 4 hours for a thorough visit covering the major monuments. Adding Patara Beach makes a full-day excursion. A two-day visit allows for unhurried exploration of both the ruins and the natural environment.

Facilities

Gelemis village has family-run pensions, small hotels, restaurants serving local cuisine, and shops. The archaeological site has a visitor entrance, restrooms, and information panels. At the beach, basic services (sun beds, a small cafe) are available in season.

Combining with Other Sites

Patara sits on the Lycian Way (Likya Yolu), Turkey's most famous long-distance hiking trail (540 km from Fethiye to Antalya). Nearby ancient cities include:

• Xanthos (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 15 km north) -- capital of Lycia before the Roman period, with the famous Nereid Monument
• Letoon (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 20 km north) -- federal sanctuary of the Lycian League dedicated to Leto, Apollo, and Artemis
• Kalkan (charming coastal town, 15 km west) -- boutique hotels, restaurants, and swimming
• Kas (harbor town with Lycian rock tombs, 40 km west)
• Myra/Demre (Saint Nicholas Church, Roman theatre, rock-cut tombs, 60 km east)

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; the site is large and spread out over uneven terrain
• Bring sun protection, hat, and ample water, especially in summer
• The lighthouse area involves a moderate walk; allow extra time
• For the beach, bring your own supplies (towel, sunscreen) as facilities are basic
• Photography is permitted throughout the site
• Respect the turtle nesting area: do not leave plastic on the beach, do not dig in the sand, and observe the nighttime closure during nesting season

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Patara really the birthplace of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus)?

According to longstanding tradition, Saint Nicholas was born in Patara around 270 AD. He later became Bishop of Myra (modern Demre), where his church and tomb can still be visited. While absolute historical certainty about his birthplace is impossible at this distance, the tradition is widely accepted by scholars and the Church. Patara and Demre together constitute a pilgrimage circuit for those interested in the historical Saint Nicholas.

What is the Lycian League and why is it important?

The Lycian League was a federation of approximately 23 Lycian cities that operated a system of proportional representative government from at least the 2nd century BC. Cities had one, two, or three votes based on their size. The League elected a president (Lyciarch), collected proportional taxes, and adjudicated disputes through federal courts. This system was studied by the American Founding Fathers and cited in the Federalist Papers (No. 16 and 45) as a model for the US federal system. The bouleuterion at Patara is the physical monument to this democratic tradition.

Can I swim at Patara Beach?

Yes. Patara Beach is one of Turkey's finest beaches, with 18 kilometers of white sand and turquoise water. The same ticket that covers the archaeological site provides beach access. Note that during turtle nesting season (May-October), the beach is closed between 20:00 and 08:00.

How long should I plan for a visit?

For the archaeological site alone, plan 2-4 hours. For ruins plus beach, plan a full day. The site is large and spread out, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are essential. A two-day visit allows for the most rewarding experience.

Is the lighthouse accessible to visitors?

The lighthouse can be viewed from the exterior and approached on foot (a moderate walk from the main site). Depending on ongoing restoration work, close approach or interior access may be restricted. Check with site staff upon arrival.

What makes Patara's lighthouse special?

Built in 60 AD with verifiable inscriptions dating it to Nero's reign and naming the governor who commissioned it, Patara's lighthouse is considered the oldest known lighthouse with a confirmed construction date. Its three-tiered square base and approximately 26-meter height make it both an engineering achievement and a navigational landmark of the ancient world.

What about the Apollo oracle?

Ancient sources describe Patara's Apollo temple and oracle as one of the most important in the Greek world, active especially during winter months. The temple site has not been fully excavated, and its exact location remains a matter of scholarly debate. Future excavation seasons may resolve this question.

Architectural Measurements and Structural Data

Precise measurements established through decades of systematic excavation by Akdeniz University:

Lighthouse Engineering and Restoration

The Patara lighthouse represents a remarkable feat of Roman maritime engineering and is currently undergoing one of the most significant ancient lighthouse restoration projects in the world:

The lighthouse's survival — albeit in a collapsed state before reconstruction — makes it the oldest lighthouse in the world with a verifiable construction date. The famous Pharos of Alexandria, while older, has not survived. The Patara pharos therefore provides unique evidence for Roman lighthouse design and maritime safety infrastructure.

Excavation Chronology and Key Discoveries

The 2018 discovery of a Viking-era sword in the harbour baths is a particularly striking find, as it demonstrates that Patara's port — even in its declining centuries — remained connected to far-reaching maritime trade networks. A Scandinavian weapon in a Lycian Roman bath complex underscores the cosmopolitan nature of Mediterranean maritime traffic in the early medieval period.

Lycian League Voting System: Quantitative Structure

The bouleuterion at Patara housed one of the ancient world's most sophisticated democratic assemblies. The voting structure can be quantified as follows:

Federal officials elected by the assembly included the Lyciarch (president), judges, tax assessors, and military commanders. Federal taxes were collected proportionally: larger cities contributed more revenue, mirroring their greater voting weight — a principle directly analogous to modern federal taxation systems.

Inscriptions and Epigraphic Evidence

Patara has yielded a rich corpus of inscriptions in multiple languages and scripts:

The density and diversity of inscriptions at Patara make it one of the most epigraphically productive sites in Lycia, providing continuous documentary evidence from the Classical Lycian period through the Byzantine era.

Sources and Further Reading

• UNESCO Tentative List -- Patara
• Wikipedia -- Patara (Lycia)
• Patara Culture and Tourism Institution -- Archaeology & History
• Turkish Museums -- Patara: The Historical and Cultural Gem
• Peter Sommer Travels -- Patara: An Amazing Ancient City
• Lycian Monuments -- Patara
• Heritage Daily -- Patara: Birthplace of Saint Nicolas
• Ancient Theatre Archive -- Patara Theatre
• Anatolian Archaeology -- 2,000-Year-Old Shops Unearthed in Patara
• Turkish Archaeological News -- Patara
• Roman Ports -- Patara, The Cradle of Civilization
• Ancient History Sites -- Patara Ancient City
• Hamilton, A. & Madison, J. -- The Federalist Papers, No. 16 and No. 45 (1787-1788)
• New Testament, Acts 21:1 (reference to Paul's visit to Patara)