Xanthos (Ksanthos)

The Heroic History of Xanthos, Turkey: A Walk through Ancient Ruins

The ancient city of Xanthos, with its tales of valor and rebirth, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people.

Introduction:

The annals of history are replete with tales of bravery, but few cities can claim to have risen from their ashes as many times as Xanthos (also known as Xantos, Xhantos, or Xanths). One of the oldest cities mentioned in Homer's "Iliad" and the myth of Bellerophon, its ruins tell stories of heroism and resilience.

The Mythological Origins:

According to ancient Greek mythology, Xanthos owes its establishment to Sarpedon from Crete. As tales would have it, in the times of yore, it was the residence of the esteemed King Iobates. The city's might is evident as it became the capital of the Lycian Union, standing testament to its power and prestige.

Historical Chronicles:

The city's valor first came to the forefront in 545 BC. As the chronicles detail, the Median King of Lycia, Astyages, laid siege to Xanthos. The city, surrounded and with no escape in sight, saw its brave defenders set their beloved city aflame rather than let it fall to the enemy. From these ashes, a mere eight families, who were fortuitously outside the city walls, returned and reconstructed Xanthos, restoring it to its former glory.

The winds of time brought with them the renowned conqueror, Alexander the Great. With the end of the 4th century BC, Xanthos was enveloped into his vast empire, only to later become a part of the Ptolemaic Dynasty after Alexander's demise. By 168 BC, the city reached its zenith, becoming the Lycian capital.

History has a way of repeating itself. The city's spirit of self-sacrifice manifested once again in 42 AD. As Plutarch's descriptions narrate, during the Roman civil war, Brutus' troops besieged Xanthos. A ferocious battle left only a handful of survivors. Yet, as history had shown before, Xanthos emerged once more, even grander than before. However, the subsequent centuries brought with them relentless Arab raids, eventually leading to the city's abandonment in the medieval period.

Modern Rediscovery:

The modern chapter of Xanthos was penned in 1842 with the arrival of British traveler, Charles Fellows. Amidst the ancient ruins, Fellows unearthed and transported a treasure trove of statues and sculptures to London's British Museum, where they still stand today, narrating tales of a bygone era.

Architectural Marvels of Xanthos:

1. Lycian Tombs: The pride of Xanthos, the Harpy Tomb stands tall at 8.87m. Its name is derived from the images of two mythical female birds. While some believe them to be harpies, others argue that they represent sirens escorting souls to the afterlife.

2. Xanthos Obelisk: A monumental artifact from the V century BC, this obelisk bears the longest Lycian inscription with a whopping 250 lines.

3. Other Attractions: The ruins also house the foundation of the Artemis temple, the Byzantine church, fortress walls dating back to the V century, a remarkably preserved Roman Theatre, the city's acropolis, a Byzantine Basilica, and a monastery.

Conclusion:

The ruins of Xanthos serve as a reminder of the city's indomitable spirit and its contribution to history and culture. For anyone with a penchant for history, a visit to this ancient city promises a walk through time, offering tales of bravery, rebirth, and architectural marvels.