Anatolian Civilizations and Historical Sites - TEDA

ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS:10x19 antik kentler 8/1/11 10:51 AM Sayfa
monumental arch in his name was erected in Xanthos. In Byzantine times
the city-walls were renovated and a monastery built on top of the hill.
The city had its bishop, though he ranked rather low under the
metropolitan of Myra. It was deserted once the Arab raids started.
Xanthos was discovered in 1838 by Sir Charles Fellows, who had all the
reliefs and archaeological finds of any significance transported to London
on a warship that anchored in Patara. Many works of art from this site
are now on display in the Lycian rooms of the British Museum.
Excavations which have been ongoing since 1950 were undertaken by the
French, then by Dr. Pierre Demarque, later taken over by Prof. Henri
Metzger. The diggings were later cotinued by Prof. Le Roy. Currently,
excavations are in progress led by Prof. Jacques des Courtils.
Xanthos is on the border of the Mu¤la and Antalya provinces, a natural
boundary created by the Eflen Stream. It is situated near the village of
K›n›k, 55 km. from Fethiye. On the left as one ascends, the slope near the
village is the gateway to the city that was built during the Hellenistic
Period. A little further on are the ruins of the Vespasian Arch. On the
right are the remains of the base of the Nereids Monument, which was
carted off in sections and shipped to London. This Ionic-order structure,
which dates back to 400 BC, was in the form of a temple. Placed on a high
pedestal measuring 10.15x68x5.15 m. high, it has two series of reliefs
depicting battle scenes. Above the reliefs ran architectural ornamentation
and an architrave supported on four columns. Friezes with scenes from
everyday life decorate this architrave. Between the columns were
situated statues of sea fairies or 'Nereids' for which the temple was
named. The Hellenistic walls encircle the city of Xanthos and are
reinforced by towers added at various periods, whereas the eastern flank
of the battlements dates from the 4 th century BC.
In place of the present theater stood the Lycian acropolis, whereas the
acropolis is surrounded by a wall dating back to the 5 th century BC, with
polygonal stones worked into it. Directly across from this is the Roman
acropolis. Let's wander around the Lycian acropolis, the site where the
Roman theater stands, which we encounter as soon as we enter. As it
stands this was built in the mid-second century AD; a handsome
donation of 30,000 denars by Opramoas of Rhodiapolis was earmarked
specifically 'for the construction of the theater'. Located nearby are three
splendid monuments, one of which is a Lycian pillar-tomb. Standing
4.35 m. high, this monument was built during the 4 th century BC, but was
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