Hamaxia, or Hemaksia in ancient Greek sources, was an ancient town situated in the east of ancient Pamphylia or the west of Cilicia. Scholars suggest it is likely the same settlement mentioned in the Stadiasmus Maris Magni as Anaxion, Anaxium, or Amaxian, located to the west of Coracesium. Positioned in a rugged landscape, the archaeological site is located within the boundaries of Elikesik Village.
According to reports by the ancient geographer Strabo and subsequent historical traditions, the town of Hamaxia was one of the prestigious gifts bestowed by Mark Antony upon Queen Cleopatra. This legendary narrative links the settlement directly to the romantic and political grandeur of the late Roman Republic. The tradition of Antony granting this timber-rich region to Cleopatra remains one of the most compelling stories attached to the site's name.
Strabo explicitly notes that the town possessed an advantageous roadstead for ships and was exceptionally rich in cedar trees, which were prized for shipbuilding. The abundance of prime cedar timber made Hamaxia a strategic hub for maritime resources. In the oral and written histories of the region, the town is remembered as a valued timber-producing territory tied to the ambitions of the Roman triumvir.
Archaeological and epigraphic evidence indicates that while the site was inhabited prior to the Roman period, it did not attain the status of a proper polis or city until after the 3rd century BC. By the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, it had evolved into a smaller settlement dependent upon nearby Coracesium. Inscriptions found within the town bearing the Caduceus symbol of Hermes provide concrete evidence of a sanctuary dedicated to the god.
Constructed on high, rocky terrain, the topmost point of Hamaxia features a substantial tower built from rectangular ashlar stones. Among the prominent ruins bearing Hellenistic architectural characteristics are an ancient fountain complete with a pool in front of it, and a semicircular exedra with surviving stone seating rows adorned with inscriptions. A religious building complex and a necropolis further complete the enduring architectural landscape of the site.
Today, visitors exploring the open-air archaeological site are greeted by breathtaking vistas from the slopes facing the Mediterranean Sea. On clear days without haze, it is possible to survey a coastline stretching over 100 kilometers from Gazipaşa to Manavgat. Offering free admission to the public, the ruins of Hamaxia provide a journey through ancient architectural remains paired with sweeping panoramic views of the coast.
Wikimedia research dossier · Last checked: 2026-09-11 20:27:06
