Recent excavations in Myra and Andriake

Any excavation is a long process and none is ever entirely completed. Future generations deserve their part of the research, and modern technology will allow different approaches and views. This is also the case in Myra (see: Ancient Myra from Finike) and its harbor Andriake see: Andriake, port of Myra ). 

Last year (2021), work at Myra  was concentrated on the orchestra of the theater. It is quite exciting to hear that the excavators have reached the Hellenistic level. We will remember that initially the theater was Greek and that the Romans adapted it to their taste. Archaeologists dug to a depth of 4 meters where they unearthed Lycian structures. These obviously antedate Hellenistic times. 

Further excavations in Myra  are hampered by the fact that modern Demre is built right on top of the ancient city and expropriations are a sore subject – here as well as elsewhere. 

In Andriake, on the other side of the main road, archaeologists will pursue their digs in front of the Granary of Hadrian, which has been turned into a museum (see: Andriake’s granary to be turned into a museum and Andriake’s Museum has opened). It has been named The Lycian Civilizations Museum. Beside finds from Myra  and Andriake, it also contains finds from the entire region of Lycia.

The excavations of the main buildings in Andriake are said to be completed. Work will now be concentrated on the north and west of the city.