Side’s ancient city is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Turkey, but even frequent visitors may not know its secrets. Here are ten fascinating facts that reveal another side of Side.
1️⃣ Side was once a major slave trade center in the 2nd century BC.
2️⃣ The name “Side” means pomegranate in the old Anatolian language — a symbol of fertility.
3️⃣ The city minted its own silver coins showing Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
4️⃣ Its main street was designed for parades and public ceremonies.
5️⃣ The grand theater could seat 17,000 people — one of the largest in Anatolia.
6️⃣ Under the agora, there’s a secret chamber believed to be a prison.
7️⃣ Many Roman columns were recycled from earlier Greek temples.
8️⃣ Archaeologists still find mosaics under modern Side houses.
9️⃣ Side had its own port bath complex — a kind of Roman “spa”.
🔟 And finally, the Temple of Apollo was originally painted in bright colors — not white as it appears today!
