Xanthos

Xanthos is an important ancient city located in the southwestern part of Türkiye, along the Fethiye-Kaş highway, within the borders of Kınık Village. As the largest administrative center of Lycia, Xanthos was built on two hills overlooking the plain by the Eşen River (known in antiquity as the Xanthos River). One of these hills is the Lycian acropolis, while the other is the Roman acropolis.

Xanthos Ancient City (ROMAN ODINTSOV, https://www.pexels.com/tr-tr/fotograf/mimari-kule-rock-kaya-6342319/)

History of Xanthos

The history of the city dates back to the 8th century BCE. According to Homer’s accounts, the Xanthians, under the leadership of Sarpedon, participated in the Trojan War. However, archaeological excavations do not provide definitive evidence as to whether the city was an established settlement during this period.

Throughout history, Xanthos was attacked and destroyed multiple times. During the siege of the Persian general Harpagos in 545–546 BCE, the Xanthians fiercely resisted; however, when defeat became inevitable, they killed their women and children, set the city on fire, and collectively committed suicide. A small number of surviving families later rebuilt the city. Additionally, between 475–450 BCE, Xanthos suffered a major fire disaster.

Xanthos Ancient City (Gülcan Acar, https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/antalya/gezilecekyer/xanthos)

With Alexander the Great's conquest of the region in 334 BCE, Xanthos came under Macedonian rule. After Alexander’s death, the city fell under the control of the Ptolemaic Dynasty from 309 BCE onward and later came under the rule of the Syrian King Antiochus III. In the 2nd century BCE, Xanthos became the capital of the Lycian League. However, in 42 BCE, the Roman commander Brutus completely destroyed the city. Shortly afterward, it was rebuilt through the efforts of Marcus Antonius.

During the Roman Empire, the city continued to develop as an important settlement. Many new structures were added during the reign of Emperor Vespasian. In the Byzantine period, Xanthos served as a bishopric center, but following the Arab raids in the 7th century, it lost its significance. The city was rediscovered in 1838 by Charles Fellows, and some of its remains were transported to the British Museum.

Architectural Structures of Xanthos

Xanthos contains significant architectural remains from the Lycian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The most notable structures in the city include:

• Lycian Acropolis: The oldest settlement area of the city, enclosed by polygonal masonry walls built in the 4th century BCE.

• Roman Acropolis: A more extensive area containing structures from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

• Roman Theater: Located north of the acropolis, this theater is among the most important structures from the Roman period.

• Harpy Monument: A tomb dating back to the 5th century BCE, notable for its mythological reliefs. The original reliefs are exhibited in the British Museum.

• Lycian Sarcophagi: Numerous pedestal Lycian sarcophagi are found around the theater.

• Tomb of Kherei: Contains one of the longest inscriptions in both Lycian and Greek languages.

• Roman Agora: The central marketplace and social hub from the Roman period.

• Nereid Monument: A temple-like monument dating to the 4th century BCE, now housed in the British Museum.

• Byzantine Period Structures: During the Byzantine period, Xanthos became a bishopric center and saw the construction of many new buildings, including city walls and churches.

Xanthos' Inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List

Xanthos and Letoon were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. The city is considered an important site preserving the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of the Lycian civilization. The presence of the longest inscriptions in the Lycian language highlights Xanthos' significance in written history.

However, there are some challenges regarding the preservation of Xanthos. The asphalt road passing through the site has been considered a factor negatively impacting its historical integrity, leading to a decision to close it in 2010. Additionally, rising water levels in Letoon and the visual pollution caused by surrounding greenhouses are among the issues requiring further conservation measures.