Lycian Rock Tombs

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• published: 30 Sep 2014
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The ancient Lycians are among the most enigmatic people of antiquity because little historical record has been left behind them. But what has been discovered reveals a fascinating people culturally distinct from the rest of the ancient world at the time. Around twenty major sites remain today with the Lycians' unusual funerary architecture, including incredible rock-cut tombs carved into cliff faces dominating the breathtaking unspoiled land of Lycia. Lycia is situated in the region which is today the provinces of Antalya and Muğla on the southern coast of Turkey, and the Burdur province, which is further inland. The Lycian civilisation is mentioned in the historical records of ancient Egypt as well as the Hittite Empire. By the 6th century BC, however, the Lycians were incorporated into the Achaemenid Empire. One of the most interesting features of the Lycians is their funerary culture, as seen in the incredible tombs that they built. There are several types of Lycian tombs, the most common of which is the rock-cut tomb. The earliest examples of these are said to have been carved in the 5th century BC, and can be found in places such as Myra and Amasia. These tombs were carved directly into the rock face, usually into a cliff, which makes them an amazing sight to behold. It is said that the Lycians believed that a mythical winged creature would carry them off into the afterlife, which is the reason for the position of their tombs on cliffs. Another interesting aspect of these tombs is its reflection of domestic life. The tombs are often carved like the façade of Lycian houses, and usually have one or two levels, but sometimes even three. In addition, the tombs usually held more than one body, most likely of people who were related to each other. Thus, it seems that familial ties and kinship were maintained even after death. Nevertheless, rock-cut tombs are not unique to the Lycians, as similar structures can be found in other parts of the Mediterranean, such as Petra in Jordan and Cyrenaica in Libya. http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-asia/ancient-lycians-and-their-spectacular-rock-cut-tombs-001756 Sites in 3D http://www.3dmekanlar.com/en/lycian-rock-tombs.html