Saint Nicholas served as bishop of Myra, the ancient city that helped inspire Santa Claus traditions.
Myra was an important city in Lycia, in what is now Turkey. Nicholas is traditionally identified as the fourth-century bishop of Myra, and stories about his generosity toward children and poor families contributed to later gift-giving customs. His reputation spread widely through medieval Europe.
The modern Santa Claus is not simply a historical portrait of Nicholas. American Santa traditions also draw on Dutch Sinterklaas, English Father Christmas, folklore, literature, and commercial imagery. Myra is nevertheless central to the historical identity of Saint Nicholas. The ancient city is now associated with the archaeological site of Demre in Antalya Province.