Melanippe (Lycia)

Melanippe, an ancient Greek town located on the western slope of Mount Phoenicus in ancient Lycia, served as a coastal settlement approximately 30 stadia from Cape Hieron. As a port town, it played a significant role in maritime activities in the region. Situated on Karaöz Limanı, Melanippe was strategically positioned for trade and communication along the Lycian coast. The town's proximity to Gagae, about 60 stadia to the north, suggests its integration into the broader network of ancient Lycian settlements. Although the precise dates of its founding and peak occupation are not detailed, it likely thrived during the Classical Period, overlapping with the Middle to Late Iron Age. Melanippe's archaeological significance lies in its maritime and trade connections, offering insights into the coastal dynamics of ancient Lycia.