Editing Side, Turkey (section)

===Decline===

Side began a steady decline from the 4th century on.  Even defensive walls could not stop successive invasions of highlanders from the Taurus Mountains. During the 5th and 6th centuries, Side experienced a revival, and became the seat of the Bishopric of Eastern Pamphylia.  Arab fleets, nevertheless, raided and burned Side during the 7th century, contributing to its decline. The combination of earthquakes, Christian zealots and Arab raids, left the site abandoned by the 10th century, its citizens having emigrated to nearby Attalia.<ref name="turk"/>

In the 12th century, Side temporarily established itself once more as a large city. An inscription found on the site of the former ancient city shows a considerable [[Jewish]] population in early [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] times. However, Side was abandoned again after being sacked.  Its population moved to [[Attalia]], and Side became known as Eski Adalia 'Old Antalya' and was buried.