Lycian rock tombs. Lycian rock tombs in Dalyan, Fethiye and Myra (Turkey) - Earth before the Flood: lost continents and civilizations. Ancient city of Demre Mira. Historical reference
Lycian tombs and dead cities- how mysterious these phrases sound, they smell of something ancient and mysterious. How tempting it would be to come here! 🙂
The trip to Myra in Turkey was one of the most long-awaited: after all, there are many historical monuments: Church of St. Nicholas, ancient amphitheater and Lycian tombs. Ancient city, which once disappeared from the face of the earth, beckoned us no less than Atlantis.
The mysterious Lycian civilization left behind architectural monuments that are more than 2000 years old, but time mercilessly turns them into ruins. Therefore, the way the tombs of the Lycian kings were preserved in Turkey can be considered a real miracle.
I suggest you look at this historical place in my video:
On the modern map, the city of Myra Lycian is now called Demre. We easily reached it from (via Antalya and Kemer) by rented car. Location on the map, coordinates and detailed description How to get to the Lycian necropolis is at the end of this article.
To touch the history of Lycia, you need to buy an entrance ticket. Price 15 liras (that’s a little more than 300 rubles or $5). And so, leaving a tribute to modernity and passing the turnstile, we instantly found ourselves in the distant past: in the country of Lycia.
History of the Lycian State and the City of Myra
Ancient Lycia was located in Asia Minor on the Teke Peninsula. Currently, this territory contains the Turkish provinces of Antalya and Mugla.
The Lycians settled in the fertile valley of the Xanthus River, which originates in the Taurus Mountains and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. On the banks of this river, seven kilometers from the sea coast, it was founded main city states - Xanthos.
Lycian kingdom, flourishing in the 14th century. BC e., developed thanks to agriculture, trade and pirate raids on Egypt and Cyprus. The population spoke the Hittite-Luwian language and had its own written language, formed under the influence of the ancient Greeks. This was the reason for the imaginary similarity of the Greek and Lycian alphabets. In fact, outwardly similar letters have completely different meanings.
The good climate, fertile soils, and cozy bays of Lycia gave no rest to the conquerors. The peace of the Mediterranean state was violated by the Persians and Alexander the Great, the Roman Empire and Byzantium. Despite constant conquests, the Lycian state retained its identity and culture until Roman rule, which became a period of Hellenization. In the 11th century n. e. Lycia finally came under power Ottoman Empire and Muslims.
The free Lycian cities were united in a confederation and got along well with each other. For a long time, the capital of Lycia was the city of Myra, on the site of which the town of Demre is now located. In the 13th century. n. e. the city was destroyed by an earthquake that caused mudflows.
Pilgrimage site and gladiator arena
Why does this small Turkish city attract so many tourists now?
One of the main attractions of Mira is the Church of St. Nicholas the Pleasant. It was built in the 8th century. n. e. and is now a place of real pilgrimage.
The church was also swept away by mudflows during an earthquake in the 13th century at the same time as the entire city. Its restoration began in the middle of the last century. By the time of restoration, the church was 7 meters below ground level. We had unforgettable impressions of this holy place. Tall columns and gracefully curved vaults reminded of the age of the temple. The feeling was complemented by inscriptions in ancient Greek and elements of Byzantine mosaic.
What was remembered most of all was the Lycian sarcophagus, in which the relics of the great St. Nicholas the Wonderworker rested for several centuries. Despite the high glass with which it is fenced, everyone can stick their hand in, touch the shrine or touch the icon.
But let's return to other ancient monuments. The ancient Lycian tombs were visible from afar, but first we decided to explore the huge Greco-Roman amphitheater located nearby.
Its size was second only to the Roman Colosseum. The amphitheater was designed for 10,000 spectators. Even destroyed, it leaves a grandiose impression. And this despite the fact that it is difficult to surprise contemporaries with large-scale structures.
More about this amazing place I wrote in .
Lycian necropolis
It remains to talk about the last attraction of the city of Myra: the Lycian tombs. Their story is as unique as appearance the buildings themselves.
The ancient Lycians greatly revered the dead. They believed that after death, people's souls turn into winged creatures and fly into the sky. This explains the unusual location of the Lycian burials. Residents of the state buried their dead not in the ground, but in rocks, closer to the gods. Moreover, the richer the deceased was, the more high place his burial place occupied the mountain.
The rocks in which the tombs are carved stretch along the entire coast. More than a thousand such structures have been discovered, but the Lycian tombs in ancient city Mira is the largest massif. It is not for nothing that this place received the name City of the Dead.
The architecture of the tombs shows the influence of Greece and Ancient Rome. Some burials have columns, which is reminiscent of Roman and Greek temples. Other structures with porticos externally resembled the wooden dwellings of the Lycians themselves, only in stone. Some had two rooms, located one above the other.
The imprint of mudflows and long-standing tragedy left its mark on the walls of the tombs. But even from below the inscriptions on ancient language, elaborate bas-reliefs and steps leading to the tombs. With what pleasure we would go up, but, unfortunately, access to the rock burials is prohibited.
At the foot of the rocks one could also see another type of burial - sarcophagi. Most likely, these are the tombs of poorer townspeople.
Stone sarcophagi, as a rule, consisted of a monolithic chamber, a lid and a base. Some are decorated with reliefs, others are quite simple. Early burials are more massive, but with the coming to power of Rome their size gradually decreased.
Why are the Lycian necropolises so well preserved? Only due to the fact that they are carved into the rocks. Temples and other architectural monuments were valuable as construction material and were disassembled by descendants, and the rock structures were of no interest to them.
Of course, the interior of the burials was looted long ago, but they themselves remained untouched. We were amazed by the enormity Cities of the Dead. It was worth going to Turkey just for this spectacle alone!
Ancient Lycia on the map of modern Turkey
Where is it located and how to get to the ancient city of Myra, Lycian region? This question is especially relevant for those who want to come here on their own, as we did.
Coordinates places where the Lycian tombs are located: 36.25883, 29.98432. And here they are on the map:
You can read more about our route. In short, we traveled by rented car from Belek. At the entrance to Demre (from Kemer) there are signs for Noel Baba (this is the Church of St. Nicholas) and Myra (this is the Lycian Tombs and Amphitheater).
From the main road, turn in one direction.
We thought that according to the “Worlds” sign all the sights were located together. Well, we couldn’t imagine that the name “Baba” could somehow relate to Nikolai Ugodnik. 🙂
Back to the Future
Well, near the entrance/exit, numerous sellers were selling a wide variety of souvenirs dedicated to antiquity: from antique masks to toy gladiator helmets.
You could even buy an amphitheater! True, not the real size. 😀
After visiting all the sights of Lycia there were a lot of impressions. We must not forget that all these ancient monuments are under open air, which means you need to add a temperature much higher than +30C. We were also very lucky that there were clouds in the sky.
That's why we were extremely excited about yet another unusual and highly desirable cooling attraction. We were about to go to unique place, which is not indicated in any way on the map of Turkish attractions, and, as we were told in the souvenir shop, tourists do not go there.
The Lycian tombs of Myra are considered the most ancient burials of all other burials in Anatolia. Most of the funerary monuments date back to the 6th century BC. They are located 4.8 km from Mediterranean Sea on the Andrak River, near the mouth of Andriake harbour.
Locals believe and tell the legend about the Apostle Paul, who, before leaving for Rome, landed on the shore of the harbor. The exact date of construction of the settlement is unknown to anyone, but judging by the tombstone dates and other Lycian inscriptions, it can be assumed that it existed back in the 5th century BC. e.
City of Peace in Turkey.
City of Peace is ancient capital th of the Lycian kingdom and, according to one version, means “city of the Sun.” Has long been considered the most big city and received many privileges. It was visited by many emperors, in whose honor statues were erected. But around the 7th century, this majestic city was destroyed by Arab troops and then flooded by the unclean waters of the Miros River.
The remaining ruins of the city are located on high mountain above the sea. Being close to the museum you can see the two-meter walls that once protected the acropolis.
The Lycian Tombs are a landmark in Turkey.
Lycian tombs were most often carved directly into the rocks, but there are also individual burials. Many burials are located right on the tops of the cliffs; they amaze with their grandeur and quantity. Such tombs are the most ancient and rare forms of burial. Often important people were buried in rock tombs and they consisted of two rooms. All Lycian tombs are connected by stone stairs, and were carved from soft rocks and stones, and no additional materials were used.
There is an explanation for such interesting and unusual burials. The fact is that the inhabitants of the Lycian kingdom believed in the transmigration of souls into winged creatures. And also that the higher the body is buried, the faster its soul will fly to heaven. Guided by these very beliefs, the Lycians tried to build tombs as high above the ground as possible.
How to get there.
You can independently get to the Lycian tombs from the city of Myra (Demre). Such a trip can be very tiring for you, because most dolmush (local minibus) drivers do not speak English language, and the route requires transfers. Therefore, it would be best to book an excursion called “Demre-Mira-Kekova”. It is designed for the whole day and will not cost very much.
Excursion to the Lycian Tombs.
Entrance to the museum will cost 4 lira. But before crossing the gate to the Museum of Lycian Tombs, visit the souvenir shops that are located at the very entrance. Among the huge selection of goods, there are, of course, the most icons here. The seller will tell you in detail about each icon and offer you products of different price categories. The cost will depend on its size and the stones it contains. The smallest one will cost about $10, similarly larger ones will cost more. Prices here are simply exorbitant.
All tourist groups are brought to one place from which the second group of tombs can be seen. Walking around the area you can see a large number of fragments of relics that can be confused with ordinary large stones, their difference is the beautiful and exquisite carving. And some depict theatrical masks.
All crypts have facades with carved inscriptions and images. Even today, the stone has retained all the relief of the carvings that were conveyed by the ancient masters.
The external decorations of the tombs are also well preserved; they are decorated very richly and intricately. If you carefully examine all the carved drawings above the tomb, you can even determine what the deceased did during his lifetime. Many of the tombs have rich canopies, and their entrances look a bit like small Greek houses.
The sarcophagi found in this area are large in size and in many cases have burial chambers and the lids are decorated with combs.
The most famous Lycian tomb is the tomb of Amyntana. It is a covered platform carved into the rock, supported by two columns. The passage to it leads along the steps, and on the wall of the tomb is carved the inscription in Greek “Amintas, son of Hermagios”.
There is another frequently visited tomb with a very unusual design. It was built in a rectangular style with wooden columns and a Gothic style roof. The top of the lid is decorated with carvings with images of warriors.
Next to the tombs there is an ancient Roman theater, the beauty and uniqueness of which conveys all the artistry wonderful works masters. The theater is well preserved to this day, and near the stage you can find surviving stone chairs.
Lycian tombs in Myra produce unforgettable impression for all visitors. They amaze with their grandeur and uniqueness. And they are rightfully considered the most impressive burials on earth. Having visited this place, you begin to think and delve into the history of these places.
Lycian tombs in Myra (Rock-cut tombs in Myra) can be seen in the ancient capital of Lycia, which is located 5 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, on the Andrak River, at the mouth of which there was once the harbor of Andriake; according to legend, the Apostle Paul landed in this place before his departure to Rome. On the mountainside facing the sea, which frames the Demre plain, to the north-west you can see the ruins of an ancient acropolis. The wall is two hundred meters high, built on a foundation of cyclopean stones. During excavations, records were discovered in the Lycian language, characterizing the area with the name "Thermilia", thus indicating that the history of Myra goes back several thousand years BC.
There are several versions about how the name of the city arose, the first: from the word “myrrh” - the resin from which incense was made for the church. Second: the name of the city “Maura” is of Etruscan origin and means “place of the Mother Goddess”, in phonetic pronunciation the name changed first to “Mura” and later to “Mira”. In the third version, in the ancient Lycian language, Mira means the city of the Sun.
In ancient times, Myra was the capital of Lycia and existed long before the advent of our era. At one time, it was part of the Lycian Union and was even awarded the right to mint its own coins. The decline of the city is directly related to the increasing frequency of Arab raids in the 7th century, as well as the flooding of the local river with mud. In the Christian world, former capital great ancient state, known thanks to the acts of Nicholas the Wonderworker, who in 300 AD, studied in Xanthus and soon became the bishop of Myra. After his death, miraculous healings began to occur in the city among believers who came to the Church of St. Nicholas to worship his ashes, and over time, Mira became a place of pilgrimage for adherents of the holy faith.
Repin, “Nicholas of Myra saves three innocently convicted people from death”
Saint Nicholas (Nicholas the Pleasant; Nicholas the Wonderworker - ca. 270-ca. 345)) is one of the most beloved saints in Rus'; many churches were erected in his honor. He is revered as a miracle worker and considered the patron saint of sailors, merchants and children. In European folklore, the prototype of Santa Claus.
Saint Nicholas also became famous as a pacifier of warring parties, a defender of the unjustly condemned, and a deliverer from needless death. The worldly mayor Eustathius, bribed by the envious people of certain three men, condemned them to death. Having learned about the unjust act of the worldly mayor, Saint Nicholas immediately hastened to help. He appeared at the execution site when the sword was already raised over the heads of the innocently condemned. Having removed the guards, the saint stopped the executioner's hand. No one dared to stop him. The mayor, menacingly denounced by Saint Nicholas, confessed to his sin and asked to accept his repentance. This story inspired I. Repin and he expressed his feelings in this picture.
IN Western Europe The saint is still perceived to this day as the patron of children, to whom, according to ancient writings, he brought gifts on Christmas night throughout the years that he lived here. During the time of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomakh, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was surrounded by a fortress wall in order to preserve the shrine from the encroachments of the Arabs. In the spring of 1087, the remains of St. Nicholas were transported to Italy, where they are kept to this day. Today, thousands of pilgrims come to Mira (Demre) from different countries world, especially to visit the church of the great saint.
In Latin, Saint Nicholas sounds like Santa Nikolaus, can you guess what this name turned into over time? Certainly Santa Claus! Demre (Mira) is the birthplace of Santa Claus, his prototype is a real person - the famous Nikolai Ugodnik.
Not far from the tombs is the ancient theater of the city of Mira. I will explain why this theater is considered Greco-Roman. Lycia was conquered by the Greeks and it is thanks to the Greeks that the theater in Myra has the appearance of a classical theater building. The main difference between the Greek theater is its semicircular structure with a stage in the center, on which performances took place. There are spectator seats adjacent to the stage. During its history, the theater was repeatedly destroyed, subjected to earthquakes, and flooded, but was always restored. After some time, Lycia ceded to the Roman Empire. The Romans completed the construction of the theater and added some touches to its design and decoration. That is why the theater is considered Greco-Roman.
The differences between the Roman amphitheater and the Greek theater are obvious: the amphitheater, for example the most popular - the Colosseum, has a circular structure like a circus, and the audience seats completely surround the stage on all sides. Thanks to its semicircular structure, the theater in Mir has excellent acoustics, such that even a whisper from the stage can be heard in the very last row.
Climate. On weather The region is largely influenced by the Mediterranean climate. In winter, the air temperature here rarely drops below +10 degrees, and in summer it often exceeds +30. Tourist interest in these places is highest in the period from May to September, when numerous vacationers travel here from the Antalya coast along the route Demre-Mira-Kekova, in order to diversify their holiday as much as possible. beach holiday. Majority excursion routes starts at 7 am, and they last until the evening, so tourists return from the trip tired but happy.
How to get there. Transport. The city of Demre, with the archaeological complex of Mira, is located several tens of kilometers from Antalya, and 45 km from Kas. Kalkan, Finike and Olympos are nearby. Solo travel from Antalya airport it is possible by rented car or taxi. It is strongly recommended to use the services of a local driver, as the road is at times very difficult and sometimes unsafe.
In the Middle Ages, Myra (Demre) became one of the centers of pilgrimage for Christians. Subsequently, a monastery was built in Mir (Demre) near the temple of St. Nicholas the Pleasant.
In the 10th century AD, the relics of the saint were taken from Myra (Demre) to Italy. According to one version, they were stolen, according to another, they tried to save the sarcophagus with relics from looting and voluntarily allowed it to be transported. However, miracles in Demre (Mira) did not stop, and then a legend arose that the monks indicated the wrong grave, and in fact, the relics of the saint are still in Demre (Mira).
Temple of St. Nicholas the Pleasant is the main attraction of Demre (Mira).
Cuisine and shopping. There are few culinary establishments in Demre, although the choice of dishes allows you to appreciate all the delights of the national Turkish cuisine. Of course not here for shopping the best place in Turkey, but it is quite possible to buy various icons, healing oils, crosses with a chain and all sorts of talismans. Their prices are quite high, but the real value of these things cannot be overestimated. Icons and healing oils, sold in special bottles, are in high demand, so their cost is inflated initially, however, this is precisely what you should not save on.
Demre-Mira-Kekova is one of the most popular and interesting excursions in Antalya. Among tourists who have ever been to Turkey, there are few who have not seen the ancient Lycian city of Myra, touched the sarcophagus of St. Nicholas or sat on the steps of the local amphitheater. Fullness of impressions and a lot of pleasant emotions certainly accompany this trip, making a vacation on the Mediterranean coast much more eventful and educational.
The ancient city of Demre Mira is one of the most popular places in Turkey. Every tourist who has at least once vacationed in Turkey has heard about the excursion “Ancient City of Demre Mira + Kekova”. And every second of these tourists has been on such an excursion. Therefore in high season The crowd in these places is incredible. However, we managed to come here at the most convenient moment when we could do unique photos the famous Lycian tombs and the Demre amphitheater without tourists.
The secret is simple: we arrived in the ancient city of Demre Mira during the lowest season of international relations. Moreover, independently. Besides in the spring. That's why tourist groups there was practically none here. Only occasionally did companies of Turks, as well as small groups of Russian-speaking tourists, ascend the steps of the amphitheater, pointing their fingers at us and asking the guide: “What are these OUT places?” Otherwise! For independent tourists, VIP seats are always and everywhere plus as much time at the sights as your heart desires. Why not a reason?
By the way, the popular excursion in Turkey that these tourists came on is called “The Ancient City of Demre Mira Kekova.” But we excluded the last point from our route due to lack of interest. Kekova is a sunken city, and the trip to it involves bobbing on the waves above the place where it once stood. Or maybe he was in a different place altogether - anyway, nothing is visible under water.
Ancient city of Demre Mira. Historical reference
To begin with, a few words about what is it - the ancient city of Demre Mira. Turkish city Demre is located in Antalya province, 5 km from the sea and 150 km from Antalya itself. Very close to this city, almost within its boundaries, are the ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Myra. That is why it often bears a double name - “The Ancient City of Demre Mira”.
It is not known exactly when Mira was founded. The first mention of this city dates back to the 2nd century BC - at that time Myra was part of the Lycian League and was one of its largest cities. At one time, Myra was even the capital of Lycia. It was during those times, about 2000 years ago, that the most famous attractions were built - the amphitheater and the Lycian tombs in Myra. Which, by the way, was destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD, but then completely rebuilt.
Later the city became part of the Roman Empire and adopted Christianity. From 300 to 343 AD Nicholas was Bishop of Myra- aka Nikolai the Wonderworker, aka Nikolai Ugodnik, aka Santa Claus (Santa Nikolaus) and aka Father Frost. In Demre, the church where he served is still preserved (as well as dozens of icon shops, which tourists are sure to visit on the excursion “The Ancient City of Demre of the World”). Nicholas was revered by Christians as the protector of children, which is why the fairytale grandfather who gives gifts received his name. By the way, Santa Claus owes his usual appearance - a red fur coat, beard, staff and other attributes - to the Coca Cola company. And Father Frost, respectively, is Santa Claus.
So the city flourished until it was destroyed first by the Arabs (IX century), and then by the Seljuks (XII century). Since then, the ancient city of Demre Mira looks about the same as it does now. Let's see exactly how!
He came, he saw, he filmed. Photo of Demre Myra without tourists
At the entrance to the ancient city of Demre Mira, you are greeted by a number of religious shops. Going to Turkey and not bringing back an Orthodox icon from there is a great sin.
And here are the promised ones photo of the ancient city of Demre Mira without tourists. Mira Amphitheater: Take any seat!
Since there is room for an apple to fall in the auditorium, I’ll sit in the VIP seat.
Turks charge 20 liras per person for entry to the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre. Now I know where Santa Claus gets money for gifts.
No, this is not Ataturk: the ancient city of Demre Mira in Turkey is decorated with a monument to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
And finally, a few words about prices.
- Ticket to the ancient city of Myra: 20 liras.
- Ticket to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: 20 liras.
- Bus ticket from Antalya to Demre: 22 liras.
- Bus ticket from Kemer to Demre: 18 lire.
- Bus ticket from Fethiye to Demre: 25 lire.
- One night in the cheapest Hotel Demre : 40 dollars.
This is what the ancient city of Demre Mira looks like in the photo if you come there in the low season. However, in the World, as in all of Turkey, it is always good. And from Demre we went further west, to the beautiful small town of Kas. , the fun is just beginning!
The main attraction resort place Fethiye is the Lycian Tombs. Scientists date these buildings to the 4th century BC. They are a completely special type of funerary art, because the massive stone sculptures not only have an original shape, but are also carved directly into the rock. It is difficult to imagine the time spent on such a construction, given the lack of electricity and construction equipment among people in the 4th century.
Decor
Amyntas, who at one time ruled the Hellenistic city, once rested in the grave. The façade of the tomb is similar in shape to an Ionic temple. The imaginary canopy of the Lycian tombs is supported by columns. Climbing up the steps you get to the temple. On the wall of the tomb in front of the entrance there is a carved inscription in Greek, translated it means “Amintas, son of Hermagios.”
Another tomb also has an unusual design. It is rectangular in plan, stands on wooden supports, has a roof in the Gothic style, and there are arches on both sides. The lid is decorated with reliefs with images of war, which tell about the life of the person buried here.
The oldest and rarest in form is the tomb with columns. Such Lycian tombs were a monolith, the top of which was pointed. They were placed directly on a rock or on a platform with steps. Inside, the tomb consisted of two rooms. Lycian sarcophagi differed from others in their impressive size.
Another interesting tomb is the warrior's tomb. It is a rectangular structure on wooden supports. Colorful scenes of brutal wars are carved on its lid. According to scientists, a warrior was buried here.
The most famous landmark of the city are the massive stone sculptures with columns. They date back to the 6th century BC. These tombs were built into the rock, they were one of the few that survived the devastating earthquakes that destroyed almost all the ancient relics of the region. The most popular Lycian tomb is the Tomb of Amyntas. It is here that tourists can see reliefs depicting wars and the inscription in Greek “Amintas, son of Hermagios”.
Structure
The tombs were built from soft limestone. They were made by the ancestors of the ancient Greeks, who lived in Asia Minor. The structures were especially developed in Lycia, that is, in south coast modern Turkey. Residents of the ancient city were convinced that the souls of the dead became winged siren-like creatures, so they placed their tombs on the tops of cliffs or on the coast.
Nowadays, local landscapes are replete with amazing funerary monuments.
A visit to the Lycian Tombs leaves tourists great amount memories.