description Xanthos-Letoon Overview
Xanthos was the capital of ancient Lycia and Letoon was its primary religious sanctuary, located in modern-day southwestern Turkey. Recognized together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins feature distinctive Lycian funerary monuments, including tall pillar tombs, alongside Hellenistic and Roman structures. The site is historically significant for yielding the trilingual Xanthos Stele, an inscription that helped scholars decipher the ancient Lycian language.
insights Ranking position
Xanthos-Letoon ranks #90 of 263 in the Archaeological Site ranking, behind Xochicalco, ahead of Marib Dam.
help Xanthos-Letoon FAQ
What is the significance of Xanthos-Letoon?
Xanthos was the capital of ancient Lycia, and Letoon was its primary religious sanctuary. Together, they are recognized as a single UNESCO World Heritage Site for their historical significance.
Where are the Xanthos-Letoon ruins located?
The archaeological sites are located in modern-day southwestern Turkey, near the Mediterranean coast. They sit in the Antalya Province, close to the modern town of Fethiye.
What can you see at the Xanthos-Letoon archaeological site today?
Visitors can explore distinctive Lycian funerary monuments, including tall, free-standing pillar tombs. The site also features the ruins of a large Roman theater and ancient basilicas.
Why was Xanthos abandoned?
The city suffered devastating destruction by the Persians in antiquity. Later, gradual silting of the nearby river led to the complete abandonment of the area in the medieval period.
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