Aerial view of Antalya Side Ancient City, Ancient Ruins of Roman Empire Sunset, Aerial view of antalya side temple of apollo, historical side town, side city view, ancient historical ruins, side amphitheater, aerial view of antalya side harbor - stock photo

Side is a captivating resort situated on the Mediterranean coast, roughly midway between Antalya and Alanya. It is home to a plethora of well-preserved ancient ruins, making it a popular destination for tourists interested in Hellenistic and Roman history. Additionally, the former Roman baths now serve as a local museum, boasting a collection of fascinating artifacts. The city of Side was established in the 7th century BCE by Greek settlers from Kyme, a region located in Anatolia's northwestern region. The settlement's patron deity was Athena, and her image was depicted on Side's currency. Although the inhabitants were initially Greek, they gradually assimilated into the local culture, eventually losing their language and customs. The dialect used in inscriptions from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE remains a mystery to scholars, but the term "Side" is thought to refer to pomegranate in the local vernacular.