Exploring Bodrum's Ancient Wonders: Unearthed Treasures of Turkey's Aegean Coast

Built in the early 15th century by the Knights Hospitaller, Bodrum Castle (officially the Castle of St. Peter) stands as a masterclass in medieval defensive architecture. What fascinates me as a builder is how the knights incorporated stones and columns from the earlier Mausoleum of Halicarnassus - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - into their fortress walls.

Walking through the castle grounds, I spent hours examining how different construction techniques reveal the nationality of the knights who built each section. The English Tower features precisely cut stones with minimal mortar, while the Italian Tower showcases more decorative elements. The French Tower's stonework displays characteristic herringbone patterns I've seen in restorations across Europe.

The Museum of Underwater Archaeology housed inside is worth every lira of the entrance fee. The collection includes one of the world's oldest known shipwrecks, the Uluburun, dating back to the 14th century BCE. The detailed exhibition of how ancient shipbuilders constructed vessels capable of carrying tons of cargo across treacherous seas left me humbled by their ingenuity.

I recommend bringing a good Turkish phrasebook as many of the more technical architectural explanations aren't always translated into English.

Just 3km northeast of Bodrum's center sits the ancient theater of Halicarnassus, dating back to the 4th century BCE. While smaller than some of Turkey's other Greco-Roman theaters, what impressed me was the acoustic engineering. As a builder who's worked on modern performance spaces, I'm still amazed at how ancient architects created perfect sound projection without computer modeling or electronic amplification.

I tested it myself - standing at the center of the stage and speaking at normal volume, my voice carried clearly to the uppermost seats where my travel mate was sitting. The secret lies in the precise mathematical relationships between the stage, orchestra, and seating sections, combined with the angle of the hillside and strategic wind protection.

The theater originally seated about 13,000 spectators and hosted both dramatic performances and political gatherings. While much of the original marble facing has been lost to time (and medieval builders who repurposed it), the structural integrity of the core remains intact after 2,400 years - something we modern builders can only aspire to achieve.

I spent a quiet afternoon sketching construction details and enjoying the view over Bodrum Bay. If you're interested in ancient architecture, I'd recommend bringing a good architectural sketchbook and perhaps some drawing pens to capture details you might miss in photographs.

Ka mau te wehi! (How awesome!) Standing on the site of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - is a humbling experience, even though little remains of its former glory. Built around 350 BCE as the tomb of Mausolus (yes, where we get the word 'mausoleum'), this structure once stood 45 meters tall, adorned with massive sculptures and surrounded by 36 columns.

As a builder, I found myself mentally reconstructing the massive structure from the few foundation stones and scattered fragments that remain. The site features helpful models showing how researchers believe the original looked, based on ancient descriptions and architectural fragments found across Europe (many sculptures ended up in the British Museum).

What's fascinating is how the construction techniques used here influenced architecture for centuries afterward. The stepped pyramid design topped with a massive stone roof was revolutionary for its time, requiring ingenious weight distribution and counterbalancing that would challenge engineers even today.

I spent hours examining the precision of the remaining stone cuts - achieving such tight joints without modern tools speaks to the extraordinary skill of ancient stoneworkers. If you're fascinated by ancient construction like I am, I'd recommend bringing a good digital caliper to measure some of the stone joints - with permission from site staff, of course! I've found most archaeological sites are quite accommodating when you show genuine interest in construction techniques.

On Bodrum's western edge stands Myndos Gate, one of the few surviving sections of the ancient city walls that once encircled Halicarnassus. This site holds special significance as the location where Alexander the Great nearly met his demise during his siege of the city in 334 BCE.

What caught my professional eye was the defensive engineering. The gate featured a hidden water-filled moat that Alexander's troops unexpectedly fell into during a night attack. Examining the remaining stonework, I noticed how the builders had incorporated natural bedrock into the foundations - a technique I've seen in historical structures across the Pacific Islands as well. It's a reminder that working with the landscape rather than against it is a timeless building principle.

The walls were originally about 7 meters high and 3.5 meters thick - dimensions I've sketched into my waterproof notebook alongside notes about the stone cutting techniques. The precision of the masonry joints, achieved without modern measuring tools, continues to impress me after years of working on historical restorations.

The site is less visited than Bodrum's other attractions, making it perfect for couples seeking a peaceful moment away from crowds. I spent a quiet sunset here, imagining the sounds of ancient battles while watching fishing boats return to harbor - one of those travel moments that stays with you.

Beyond the major sites, Bodrum rewards couples willing to wander with lesser-known historical treasures that offer intimate glimpses into the past. The Pedasa Ancient City, just 10km from Bodrum center, features well-preserved city walls dating back to 2500 BCE. Unlike the more famous sites, here you'll often find yourselves alone among ancient stones, free to appreciate the craftsmanship without crowds.

I was particularly impressed by the Ottoman-era cisterns scattered throughout Bodrum's old town. These ingenious water collection systems demonstrate sophisticated understanding of sustainable resource management centuries before it became fashionable. The largest, near Myndos Gate, features an elegant arched interior that creates a naturally cool microclimate - something I've incorporated into modern sustainable building projects.

For those interested in traditional Turkish construction techniques, don't miss the restored timber-framed houses in the old town near the harbor. I spent an afternoon studying how builders used flexible wooden frames with masonry infill - an early earthquake-resistant building technique that's remarkably similar to modern seismic design principles we use in New Zealand.

Navigating these hidden spots is much easier with a good map. I recommend picking up the detailed Bodrum map which shows even minor archaeological sites that most tourist maps omit. For comfortable exploration, a good pair of walking sandals will serve you well on Bodrum's combination of cobblestones, dirt paths, and occasional beach crossings between sites.