Bargylia or Bogazici as it is called today, is located in the northern part of the Bodrum peninsula, on the top of a hill. According to legend, Bargylia was established by Bellerophon in honor of his close friend Bargylos, who was killed by a kick from Pegasus. This is the reason for Pegasus depictions on Bargylia coins.
Name of the city is first found in tax lists of the Attica-Delos Sea Unity in fifth century BC. Alexander the Great used this city as a military base after conquering Caria. There had been significant developments after the third century BC and an Artemis Kindyas temple was build here in this period. The city was extensively mentioned in the sources belonging to the Hellenistic period and the naval forces of Pegamon Kingdom also used this port. Bargylia was ruled by Rhodes after the Apemia peace; however they turned it over to the Romans after a short time. This is when the rulers minted coins in the city. The city also served as an episcopacy center in the Christianity period.
Ruins of the ancient city, including a Roman Temple can be seen scattered over the area.There is limited information on Bargylia, since no scientific excavation was held in the city. Only some remains of the city walls from antique era, foundations of the temple, an altar with relieves, ruins of the theater, aqueducts from the Roman period, city walls from the Byzantium period and some parts of the necropolis could came down to today.
Some parts of the south section of the theater could survive up to today. Parts of Cavea were removed and used in other places. Sir Charles Newton saw the benches of Odeon when he visited Bargylia; unfortunately there is no evidence of these benches today.
Pelican Homes, a project developed by İpek Homes, which consists of three identical luxury villas is located by the ancient city, Bargylia.
