Termessos, the ancient city that Alexander the Great failed to conquer - in pictures

The Antalyan ruin is considered one of the best preserved of Turkey's ancient cities

The ancient city of Termessos was built at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres on Mount Solymos, in the modern-day Turkish province of Antalya. Here is a view of the upper city wall on the right and the Pamphylian plain beyond. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

This amphitheatre is said to have been able to seat 4,000-5,000 people and is one of the better preserved buildings in Termessos. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

City views look out over the Pamphylian plain. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

Alexander the Great failed to take the city in 333 BC, eventually moving on to Sagalassos. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

The city's inhabitants were descended from Pamphylian Greeks and called themselves the Solym people. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

The tomb of Alcetas, a former general of Alexander the Great in India. Alcetas was defeated in battle and retreated to Termessos where the city elders wanted to give him over to his enemies. Rather than be captured, Alcetas killed himself. Getty

Formally part of the Roman Empire but autonomous owing to its remoteness, Termessos was granted independent status in 71 BC. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

The ruins sit amid a quiet pine forest, which is peaceful owing to its distance from the throngs of tourists. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

The Heroum. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

Situated near the parking area is Hadrian’s Gate, still standing amid the rubble of temples. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

On the road from Hadrian's Gate are rock-cut tombs and sarcophagi. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

Rock-cut tombs along main road. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

The dead were placed in these sarcophagi along with their clothing and jewellery. The tombs have since been ransacked by robbers and destroyed by earthquakes. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

The city was abandoned after an aqueduct supplying water was crushed in an earthquake. Charlotte Mayhew / The National

More from The National

Syria uncovers rare Roman mosaic in former rebel stronghold

Ancient Christian monastery discovered in Umm Al Quwain

The ancient city of Maktar in Tunisia – in pictures

Iraq welcomes tourists to explore the ancient ruins of Hatra

Palestinian farmer discovers ancient mosaic floor