Patara is one of the most important and ancient cities of Lycia, which Fehri Isik and his team have been excavating since 1988. Patara became the leading city in Lycia when it was ruled by Ptolemy in the third century, and then it was accepted as the capital of Lycia, when this position became official in 168 BC Nativity, when Patara gained her autonomy against Rome, and became independent against Rhodes. Patara was distinguished by monumental buildings, such as the Assembly Building, and the theater, which were built in the capital during the Hellenistic period. Patara, which did not lose its importance after the end of Roman sovereignty, also retained its importance as a naval base established by Rome with its eastern provinces, as well as a center in which Roman governments applied their judicial affairs.