It is believed that the ancient city of Kibyra was founded by immigrants from Milas in 300 BC on the low hills of Horzum neighbourhood of Gölhisar district of Burdur. The ancient city, built on a fairly large area, has a magnificent view of the lake and the plain. During the foundation of the city, the structures were arranged symmetrically and no buildings were prevented from obstructing the view of the other. The ancient city of Kibyra had its most brilliant period between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, with its forefront in leathermaking, potting and horse breeding.
The city was destroyed during the great earthquake in 23 AD and rebuilt during the reign of Roman Emperor Tiberius. The ancient city is entered through a magnificent monumental gate. Among the other buildings that can be seen in the ancient city are the stadium which has a capacity of 13 thousand people and hosted gladiator fights and other activities, the basilica, the agora on the upper and downside of the city, the bathhouse, the gymnasium, the theater, council building with 3600 seats, the monumental tomb, the bath and the waterways.
The most striking artefact of the ancient city is the Medusa Mosaic, which is located in the middle of the Assembly building and consists of snakes made of red, green and white marble and believed to turn people into stone with their looks. The mosaic unearthed in 2011 and the mosaic covers an area of 540 square meters. Other artefacts from the ancient city are exhibited in the Burdur Museum.
The ancient city of Kibyra is visited free of charge between 08:30 and 17:30.
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