Xanthos Ancient City is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is on the Fethiye-Kaş Highway in the town of Kınık, 46 kilometers from Fethiye. The city is built on two hills, dominating the plain by the Eşen Stream.
The city sheds light on history with its ruins that defy centuries and impress visitors with its sad story. When the city was besieged by the Persian Commander Harpagos in 545-546 BC, the Xanthos people realized that they would lose despite their heroic struggle. They committed suicide collectively by killing their women and children and setting the city on fire, leaving a ruined city for their enemies. Families who survived this disaster and immigrants who came to the city from other places re-establish the city. The city has been the scene of constant wars and invasions due to its location. It also faced a great fire disaster between the years 475-450 BC.
The ancient city of Xanthoswas the most important administrative center of the Lycian Civilization and used as the capital in the 2nd century BC. The Lycian Period erected tombstones, and rock tombs are important structures that have survived today. The fortification walls of the acropolis on both sides of the city attract attention with their knitting techniques. To the north of the Lycian acropolis, there is a theater from the Roman Period. The most interesting ruins are to the west of this theater. The monumental tomb with 'Harpy' reliefs on a solid rectangular base, believed to carry the souls of the dead to the sky, the Lycian Sarcophagus next to this tomb, the Roman Age Agora adjacent to the theater, in the northeast corner of the agora, very similar to the Harpy Monument, with the name Kherei written in Lycian and Greek on its body. The monumental tomb is famous for its inscription. It describes a prince's adventures. It is among the must-see work. Many artifacts unearthed from the excavations in the city are exhibited in the British Museum in London.
Excavations are continuing in Xanthos Ancient City. This fascinating city carries the traces of many different civilizations. It is among the places that those who come to Kaş should include in their travel plans.
