{"id":582,"date":"2021-02-24T08:23:56","date_gmt":"2021-02-24T07:23:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/antalyatouristinformation.com\/d\/?page_id=582"},"modified":"2021-06-16T11:18:17","modified_gmt":"2021-06-16T09:18:17","slug":"xanthos","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/antalyatouristinformation.com\/d\/things-to-do\/history\/xanthos\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Ancient City of Xanthos in Antalya: History & Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Xanthos is an ancient city located in the village of K\u0131n\u0131k in Ka\u015f, 3 hours away from Antalya city center<\/a> by car.<\/p>\n

It was once the capital of the Lycian Kingdom in ancient times. Very popular among visitors, this ancient city is not to be missed when visiting the ancient Lycian region on the south-west coast of Turkey.<\/p>\n

In this article, you will find all the important and historical information you need to know before visiting the ancient city of Xanthos in Turkey.<\/p>\n

\"Xanthos<\/span><\/p>\n

What Can I Do in Xanthos?<\/h2>\n

The ancient city of Xanthos is divided into two parts by a little ravine, which the Antalya road follows. Shortly after entering the site, you will see the Hellenistic city walls that were restored by the Romans. <\/p>\n

Here are some details to pay attention to while visiting the ancient city of Xanthos in Antalya:<\/p>\n

Inscribed Pillar of Xanthos (Xanthian Obelisk)<\/h3>\n

The pillar is situated near the agora dedicated to twelve Lycian gods. It has four faces with a long inscription engraved in three languages as Lycian, Milyan, and Ancient Greek. The inscription includes 12 lines of Greek which makes it possible to attribute this funerary monument to local king, Kherei, who gained a remarkable victory against Athinaians. The stele is an extremely important archaeological find pertaining these old languages.<\/p>\n

Agora<\/h3>\n

The Agora was surrounded by porticos of smooth columns. There is also a Byzantine basilica with three rooms adorned with mosaic flooring. The basilica was destroyed during Arabian attacks in the 7th century.<\/p>\n

Pillar of Harpies<\/h3>\n

Outside the agora, there are two more funerary monuments. One of them is the Pillar of Harpies which is about 7.5 meters high. Its original reliefs were taken by Charles Fellows, and they can be seen in the British Museum today. These reliefs were replaced with beautiful casts. These reliefs were possibly made by Milesian sculptors in the 5th century BC. They depict scenes of offerings in which Harpies, the conductors of souls, is featured. Another interpretation is that they represent scenes of judgement in the afterlife or scenes of supplication to Lycian rulers.<\/p>\n

Theater<\/h3>\n

The theater beside the funerary monuments dates back to the Roman period, probably around the 2nd century AD. It lies against the Lycian acropolis. The theater had a vaulted corridor that lead into the orchestra. Only the lower parts of the cavea remain today. It is possible to partially see the stage building decorated with columns.<\/p>\n

The Lycian Acropolis<\/h3>\n

The Lycian Acropolis is surrounded by a steep rock wall that rises  from the edge of E\u015fen Stream. You can see the Lycian Palace ruins on the hill overlooking the plain. Just opposite, lies the Roman acropolis where the Byzantine basilica, rock tombs, and Pillar Monument can be seen. <\/p>\n

Necropolis<\/h3>\n

The sarcophagi and rock-tombs are scattered all over, each with different reliefs and lids.<\/p>\n