Spatial analysis and statistical investigation of the ancient city of phaselis within the framework of an environmental archaeology approach

Phaselis, situated on the border between Lycia and Pamphylia and endowed with three natural harbors, was a strategically significant port city within the ancient Mediterranean trade network. Owing to its advantageous geopolitical location, the city remained one of the key commercial centers in the region well into the later periods. Located within the boundaries of Antalya province, near the town of Tekirova, Phaselis possessed a broad territorium extending from Mount Tahtalı to the Çandır Valley. This expansive geographical area enabled the city to produce and trade a variety of goods, thereby contributing to its economic growth and prosperity. The extent of this wealth is clearly reflected in the diversity and high quality of artifacts unearthed during archaeological excavations conducted in the city. The primary objective of this study is to compile an inventory of architectural blocks and portable artifacts unearthed during excavation and restoration activities conducted in the ancient city of Phaselis, with a particular focus on the main street. Concurrently, the study aims to establish a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based data infrastructure for Phaselis by transferring these elements into a digital environment, incorporating both their spatial and descriptive attributes. Within this framework, the research seeks to analyze the spatial distribution of structures and artifacts, their relationships with functional zones, and their spatial organization through geographic analysis techniques. This approach enables a more comprehensive interpretation of the city's historical significance and facilitates the visual and analytical examination of the spatial associations among architectural features. Furthermore, the study aims to provide a sustainable digital data resource to support conservation and site management strategies, while also serving as a valuable reference for future scientific research. Ultimately, the integration of archaeological data into a spatial framework offers a geographical perspective on the urban landscape of Phaselis and contributes to the long-term documentation and preservation of its cultural heritage in a digital format. The data obtained during the thesis study are based on the findings from the Main Street (Latrina, Portico) area of Phaselis Ancient City, where excavation activities were concentrated between December 2023 and June 2024. Therefore, only the data related to these specific areas were processed and analyzed.