Elaiussa Sebaste is a small ancient Roman port city located 55 kilometres from Mersin. Elaiussa; means olive. In the 2nd century BC, Elaiussa was a port city at the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean. The existence of piracy at that time negatively affected commercial life. BC. From the 1st century onwards, after Elaiussa took the appearance of a city, it gained its freedom by getting rid of Olba domination.

Roman emperor Augustus, The king of Cappadocia gave Arkhelaos an important part of Cilicia and the city of Elaiussa as a gift. Arkhelaos then moved his winter palace here and added the name Sebaste to Elaiussa to fulfil his debt of gratitude.From that time on, this small harbour city was known as Elaiussa Sebaste. Sebaste means splendid, happy. During the excavations, a bathhouse dating to the 2nd century AD was found. This structure was found to have a heating system and an inscription at the entrance indicating the health wishes of the people who came to bathe.

It is possible to see the theatre, agora and basilica built during the period from the road. The seating capacity of the 23-step theatre is 2300. However, a small village was established where the necropolises were located and some of these necropolises were left among the lemon gardens. In the recent excavations, a 4.5 kilometre long King's road extending from the necropolises to the Maiden's Castle was found. It is mentioned that there are many sarcophagi and monumental tombs on this road.

Excavations continue in the city of Elaiusa Sebaste and the history and other features of the city are revealed day by day. However, I do not know how this small harbour city can be brought to its feet since the ancient city is located within the settlement, but I think that Mersin Municipality should ensure that this charming place, which has witnessed history, is brought to its feet with small touches as soon as possible and the settlement is moved to another place. However, I don't know how this small harbour city can be brought to its feet since the ancient city remains in the settlement, but I think Mersin Municipality should ensure that this charming place that has witnessed history is brought to its feet with small touches as soon as possible and the settlement is moved to another place.

Elaiussa Sebaste is a small ancient Roman port city located 55 kilometres from Mersin. Elaiussa; means olive. In the 2nd century BC, Elaiussa was a port city at the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean. The existence of piracy at that time negatively affected commercial life. BC. From the 1st century onwards, after Elaiussa took the appearance of a city, it gained its freedom by getting rid of Olba domination.