The agora is over 8000 square meters, surrounded by columns, with shops, exedras and latrines and washing places. On it inconceivable numbers of slaves must have been traded, for during part of its history Side was a major centre for pirates who stationed their fleet here. In the centre stood a temple for the protective goddess of the city, Tyche. The present construction dates from the 2nd century AD, it was in use in Byzantine times. –The area was out of bounds when I visited the town.