Tlos Ancient City
In the 2nd century BC, Tlos ancient city entered the Lycian Union and Continued its existence in the Byzantine period. Tlos was one of the rare ruins having survived until the 9th century. The transportation was provided through the Kemer district on the Fethiye-Korkuteli road, 13 km after the Yaka village Castle. The history of members of Lycia dates back to the 5th century BC. Nobody has been able to recover older documents. Therefore, we cannot know the exact establishment of these cities, but life in Lycia starts in the 2nd century BC. An axe found by chance in Tlos is also evidence supporting this thesis. It is known that Tlos existed in the 2nd century under the name Talaw what is now Fethiye.
The most famous Lycian tomb is the tomb of Bellerophon at the bottom of the hill base. Historians think that this is the family tomb of Tlos royal dynasties and its genus comes from the mythical hero – Bellerophon. According to the legend, the Lycian king sent Bellerophon to redeem himself to kill the fire-breathing monster Chimera that kept the whole district in fear. The gods gave the winged horse Pegasus to Bellerophon to help in fulfilling his mission. Taking off on his horse a brave Bellerophon slew the Chimera and then married the daughter of the king. The genus of Lycia’s rulers came from them.
You may see a lot of ancient buildings in Tlos ancient city and one of the most amazing is the majestic Roman amphitheater for 20,000 spectators that takes place on a hillside and you can still see rows of seats. The amphitheater offers perfect view to Tlos ruins of the Acropolis. There are former Roman baths that authorities have rebuilt later to the Byzantine basilica with seven gates. Despite the past centuries the basilica is quite well preserved. Especially Tlos ruins are amazing in the rays of the setting sun.
