Ancient Loryma
The ancient fort of the Rhodesians
When you arrive first in Bozukkale ancient Loryma, at
the tip of the Bozburun Peninsula, you will clearly see the ruins of the ancient
harbor and castle that can only be reached by boat. Although the Turkish name
means "ruined castle", the castle on a hill at the entrance to the port is in
relatively good condition. Actually named Bozuk Buku, it was primarily a harbor
of refuge and not a trading harbor, the acropolis for the city being situated at
the head of the bay. It was used at various times to assemble naval fleets, most
notably in 395 B.C. by Demetrius Polioketes before his attack on Rhodes.
Polioketes is remembered for the gargantuan siege machine he had constructed for
the assault on Rhodes, a huge catapult estimated to be nine stories high and
weighing around 125 tons. The attack failed, but Polioketes, ever magnanimous in
defeat, sold his siege machine and donated the money to the Rhodians to built a
statue to commemorate the battle. The result was a huge bronze statue of Helios,
the sun god, that stood astride the harbor at Rhodes and one of the seven
wonders of the world.
Later in Byzantine times, the bay was called "the arsenal", for the ancient fort
standing at the entrance. It is well worth the short climb up to the fort to
examine the site and enjoy the view. Some of the stone blocks are over 5 meters
(17 feet) long and more than 1 meter (3 feet) square, all of them fitting
perfectly together.
A Byzantine wreck from the 11th. century, carrying merchandise to the eastern
Mediterranean was founded here. The artifacts taken from the wreck can now be
seen in the Bodrum Museum. During the summer months you can probably see the
team of American and Turkish archaeologist that are excavating a 9th century
Byzantine shipwreck very close to the little town of Selimiye Passing around
Karaburun. After lunch we cruise further to Serçe Limani for dinner and
overnight.
Get some water and hiking shoes and hike to the top of the castle for some great
views.
For a more challenging hike you can head past the cafe and follow a path to the
right that goes over the ridge. You will see sticks and firewood along the path
and continue down the ridge until you get to a valley below (this part is very
rocky). You can follow the goat path through the valley to another cove that is
to the left where you can swim. Along the way you will see some very interesting
ruins (an ancient fort, depot and barracks) of Loryma (see your Blue Book for
details).