From the finds resulting from
the archeological digs carried out in and around Antalya, it has been ascertained that the
region was inhabited 50 thousand years ago. The proof was uncovered in th e Karai n C ave
situ ated n ear Yag ct key, 27 km north-west of Antalya. Remains of the paleolithic,
mesolithic, neolithic, chalcolithic and bronze ages were unearthed in this cave.
The Hittites, who are believed to have come to Antalya from the Caucasus and Mesepotamia,
exercised severeignty over Antalya during the years 2500-1400 B.C. Historical maps of the
region during the years 2000-1400 B.C. show that the Kingdom of the Hittites encompassed
Antalya.
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The tribes which came from Trakya during the 8th and
7th centuries B.C. put an end to the Hittite civilization, and the city states of
Pamphylia, Lycia and Cicilia were founded. Today's province of Antalya entirely covers
Pamphylia, while parts overlap into southern Pisidya, western Cicilia and easten Lycia.While the origins of the people of the region were not precisely
known, It Is believed they were composed of various goups from Anatolian tribes and a
Trakya tribe called Phyrgians. The word "Pamphylia" is of Greek origin and is
composed of " pan " meaning many and "phyla" meaning race.
In the 9th and 8th centuries B.C. two waves immigrated to Anatolia from Greece resulting
in many cities and centres of civilization being established. Today about 100 of these can
be found within the boundaries of Antalya.
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