Cine , Turkey

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vegetables. This region was densely populated in the past and many ancient remains can be found. About 7km/4mi to the southwest near Araphisar and its ruined castle the important ancient site of Alabanda lies on the left bank of the Çine Çayi (Marsyas in antiquity). This free town which prospered in Roman times was also known as Antiocheia and became famous for its wealth. Its most famous citizen was the rhetorician Apollonios. It is also well known for "alabandicus", a black to purple-red marble used in the production of glass as it melts when heated. Some of the ruins lie near the village of Araphisar but they extend from the Çine Çayi south to the col between two hills separated by the Kemer Deresi.

History

According to legend the town was founded by King Kar. He called his son Alabandos and the town Alabanda after a successful cavalry battle (Carian "ala", horse and "banda", victory). The town enjoyed its greatest prosperity in the middle of the fourth century B.C. under King Mausolos. Upon the death of Ada, Mausolos' sister who was made queen of Caria by Alexander, Alabanda became the Carian capital. It attracted fame as the source of a precious stone similar to garnet.