K N I D O S

Where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. When you first arrive to Knidos you are not impressed – just a hillside of ruins. But it was truly the Las Vegas of the ancient world - a city full of entertainment, diversions, attractions and sex! It was also know for its very important medical school, one of the best in the ancient world (see your Blue Book for more information).

Knidos was founded by the Dorians, the group that had pushed the Ionians and Aeolians out of Greece and then were pushed out themselves shortly after the end of the Trojan War. As a costal city, Knidos was troubled by pirates, and when it drove the pirates off it sent offerings of thanks to Delphi. Because of their location at the intersection of the Aegean an Mediterranean Seas, and the trecherous seas: the Knidians created a double harbor, one south and one north joined by a causeway. They also acquired Praxiteles statue of Aphrodite (390 - 330 BC) which attracted many tourist to their city. The statue was the first ever of a woman in the nude, prior to that all nude statues were male gods. Archeologists can find no trace of her. The city was also home to Eudoxos, a 4 century BC astronomer and mathematician who founded and observatory and developed the principals of modern geometry.

As you ascend the hillside peninsula you realize why this was one of the richest and most visited ancient cities in the world. A natural protected harbor with an additional natural interior harbor, as well as one to the best views around! The city is surrounded by walls that probably date back to 4th Century BC and the time of  King Mausolos. Mycean pottery has been found that dates back to 14th Century BC – but the oldest relics date from 3rd Millennium BC. The name “Knidos” dates back to the Late Bronze Age where 13th Century. So, all in all, to make a long story short, Knidos has been occupied by Myceans, Dorians, Greeks, Roman and Byzantines. The cities were most likely abandoned by earthquakes and natural causes. 

The most important site in Knidos is the Altar at which stood the first ever statue of a naked woman - Aphrodite. She is not there now (no one knows here whereabouts), but you can see the place where she stood in all her glory gazing over the harbor and welcoming visitors to Knidos. It must have been quite a sight. From this spot you can clearly see Knidos' other claim to fame - it is also the exact place where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. From this spot as you overlook the harbor, the Aegean Sea lies to the right and the Mediterranean to the left. The other visible ruins are one of the 5 churches with some mosaics which were presented to a lady named Cleopatra (not the Egyptian); the Doric Temple dedicated to Apollo Karneios; the Temple of Apollo and Altar built in 2nd Cenury AD;  the round Temple and the theater which held 5000 persons.

Knidos is fairly unprotected by trees – so it does get very hot in the summer months. Be sure to bring your water and wear some good hiking shoes so you can explore the island. We trekked for hours along the goat paths that we reached by climbing up the hillside behind the Temple and Altar. We reached the Acropolis and the Odeion and took in the great views as we hiked amongst the purple clouds of aromatic thyme that grows wild all over the peninsula (we were there in June). Be adventurous – there is no chance that you will get lost because from the upper vantage points you can always see your starting point. Take the road less traveled.