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The City So Well Guarded Even Alexander Couldn’t Conquer It
Proof that nature is the best defense
Clinging to the side of a mountain nearly a mile in the air stands the ancient city of Termessos. The city was allegedly founded by the mythical hero Bellerophon in the age of myth. Sitting atop a natural shelf atop Güllük Dağı, the city is one of the best preserved ancient ruins in the world. But before the city was abandoned, it was a thriving hub for a secluded and mysterious people known as the Solymi.
Much of Termessos's ancient history has been lost. However, it comes prominently into focus when the eye of history passes by in the form of Alexander the Great, who came against the city in 333 BCE. Alexander, now used to conquering whatever city he set his gaze upon, tried to seize the city in a bid to open the guarded mountain passes for his armies. Unlike Alexander’s other conquests, he would fail a Termessos.
Alexander the Great tried to use all of his tricks to break the city, but he ultimately came up empty. That is because this ancient site was uniquely and purposefully situated to be impregnable against the advances of ancient armies.
