The ruins of Balboura are located in the Karaçulha locality of the Altınyayla district of Burdur. It is thought that, like Oinoanda, Balboura may have been founded by immigrants from Pisidia, as the city exhibits stronger Pisidian cultural characteristics than Lycian ones. Owing to conflicts with other Lycian cities, Balboura joined the Kibyratis Tetrapolis together with Oinoanda, Bubon, and Kibyra. The earliest archaeological evidence from the city dates to the late 3rd or early 2nd century BCE. The Kibyratis Tetrapolis supported the Pontic king Mithridates during his revolt against Rome; following Rome’s victory, the tetrapolis was dissolved. After 81 BCE, Balboura became a member of the Lycian League.
The remains of the fortification walls surrounding the acropolis survive to a height of only about 2 meters, and no monumental structures have been identified within the acropolis area. The Hellenistic theater is situated on the southern slope of the acropolis hill. The walls supporting the stage building are constructed in polygonal masonry with bossed stones. A smaller theater dating to the Roman period is located further south, built into a recess in the rocky slope overlooking the valley. Although only limited traces of the rock-cut seating survive, the masonry of the stage building—particularly its well-preserved lower sections—is noteworthy. The Temple of Nemesis, the only structure in the city that can be securely identified through its inscription, is understood to have been built by an individual named Onesimos, who described himself as a servant of the people.
Hellenistic Theater
Unfinished Roman Theater
References:
Coulton, J. J. 2012. The Balboura Survey and Settlement in Highland Southwest Anatolia, BIAA Monograph 43 Vol.1, Ankara.
Çevik, N. 2021. Lykia Kitabı: Arkeolojisi, Tarihi ve Kültürüyle Batı Antalya, Türk Tarih Kurumu, Ankara.
Spratt, T. A. B. & E. Forbes. 1847. Travels in Lycia, Milyas and Cibyratis, London.
Images:
T. A. B. Spratt & E. Forbes, 1847
Bora Bilgin, 2022
Tayfun Bilgin, 2022