The Battle for the City: Xanthos

Xanthos, a place visited by many local and foreign tourists who love historical and ancient cities. In this article, we will tell you everything you wanted to know about Xanthos. If you're curious about where the historical city of Xanthos is located, how to get there, and what its features are, you should read our article.

Xanthos, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 along with the ancient city of Letoon, is situated between Fethiye and Ka? in Antalya. This ancient city, located on two hills overlooking the valley of the Xanthos River, also known as the Xanthos River, consists of Lycian and Roman acropolises. The Lycian acropolis, surrounded by walls, rises on a steep rocky slope, while to the north lies the Roman acropolis, which is higher and wider.

In the Lycian inscription, the name of Xanthos is mentioned as ARNNA, making it one of the oldest historical cities in Turkey. Xanthos, being a port city located very close to the sea, stands out for being the capital of the Lycian Union in the 2nd century BCE.

Homer, an Ionian poet from Ancient Greece, states that the residents of Xanthos, under the leadership of Sarpedon, participated in the Trojan War. However, excavations have shown that the settlement in the city began no earlier than the 8th century BCE. Xanthos maintained its independence until it fell under the rule of the Persians in 545–546 BCE. The residents of Xanthos, fighting desperately, including men, women, and children, could not prevent the loss of the city. The city, known for its political and cultural achievements, survived a major fire between 475 and 450 BCE. This fire was initiated by the residents of Xanthos, after which they rebuilt the city. Then, in 334 BCE, it was captured by Alexander the Great. Since then, the city fell into the hands of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt and then to the rule of King Antiochus III of Syria... In 42 BCE, the city was captured by the Romans, and although the residents of Xanthos fought again with all their might, they could not prevent it.

During Roman rule, the city underwent construction works, and in the 1st century CE, arches were built in honor of the emperor, and many surviving structures were built during this period. Then Xanthos came under the rule of Byzantium and continued to exist as an important episcopal center. In the 7th century CE, after Arab invasions, the city lost its significance.

Monuments Located in the Ancient City of Xanthos

This ancient city was discovered by Charles Fellows in 1838, but unfortunately, some of its artifacts were moved to London, UK. Therefore, there are fewer artifacts in Xanthos than there should be. In this city, whose history spans one and a half thousand years, there are many tombs. In addition, among the important artifacts that have survived to this day, we should mention the Roman theater, the assembly, and the palace, as well as the stone pavements on the city streets.

Where is the ancient city of Xanthos located?

The ancient city of Xanthos is located on the Fethiye-Ka? highway. This ancient city, located in the Ka? region, in the village of K?n?k, is 46 kilometers from Fethiye and 105 kilometers from Dalaman Airport. Buses from Fethiye to Ka? go to this ancient city. You can also drive here on your own following the D400 highway from Antalya. Additionally, if you are coming from coastal areas, you will have to use the road from Finike and Kemer. You can also rent a car with a driver to get to the ancient city of Xanthos quickly, comfortably, and luxuriously.

The ancient city of Xanthos is open for visitation every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The ticket office closes at 4:30 p.m. Additionally, it should be noted that on the first day of religious holidays, it is closed until 1:00 p.m.

Entry to Xanthos is paid. However, citizens of the Republic of Turkey can visit it for free with the Museum Card. Turks without a Museum Card pay 70 TL, and foreigners can visit this ancient city by paying 3 euros.

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