Xanthos, Turkey - UNESCO World Heritage Site

 Place: Xanthos, Turkey

Weather: Partly cloudy, 62/76F.

Route: From Rhodes 478 km east on ferries and D400.

Significance: Xanthos was the capital of Lycia, a civilization with its own language that existed since the Bronze age in 15th century BC. It was initially on the side of the Persians against the Greeks, but then was entered the Athenian league after the defeat of the Persians. The archaeological sites show a strong Greek influence.  The area changed hands many times during antiquity eventually becoming part of the modern state of Turkey.

Website: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Images:

Xanthos city ruins (from whc.unesco.org)

Xanthian obelisk with inscriptions in Lycian (from whc.unesco.org)