Dr Spyros Plakoudas / @PlakoudasSpyros (RSS Feed) on Nostr: **RT @archeohistories:** The Rock Tomb of Amyntas; also known as Fethiye Tomb (4th ...
**RT @archeohistories:**
The Rock Tomb of Amyntas; also known as Fethiye Tomb (4th Century BC), dating from Lycian period when Fethiye was called Telmessos, a remarkable archaeological landmark full of rich history. Ancient Lycian rock-hewn tomb at ancient Telmessos, in Lycia, which was at time a satrapy of Achaemenid Empire. Currently, lies in Fethiye, Muğla Province, Aegean region of Türkiye.
Lycian tombs or funerary rock chambers, are fascinating archaeological finds from ancient Lycia, which cover today's Mediterranean coast. These tomb's rich history reflects their location carved into the cliffs and rock faces. Although Amyntas Rock Tomb stands out as being pretty unique, Lycian rock tombs are all over Mediterranean coast and are worth exploring.
The impressive looking tomb was built in 350 BC, and was named after Greek inscription on the side of it which reads "Amyntou tou Ermagiou", which translated to English means "Amyntas, son of Hermagios". Tomb was built by Lycians, the people who lived in this satrapy of Persian Empire at the time. Lycians were a tightly knit confederation of independent city-states, including Telmessos. Amyntas in this context might be descendant of King maker of Cyrus the Great, Median General Harpagos, who became satrap of Lycia, first of Harpagid Dynasty, for his services to Cyrus in his conquest.
Lycian people inhabited Lycia region along the southwestern coast of modern-day Türkiye. Historical records show Lycia was between southern Mediterranean Sea and Northern Taurus Mountains. This region's unique geography contributed to its isolation from other ancient civilisations, leading to a distinct Lycian culture.
Lycians had their own language, an Indo-European language with its own unique script. While language is poorly understood today, Lycian inscriptions and other monuments have provided valuable historical and linguistic insights. Lycian history dates back to at least 2nd Millennium BC but became more prominent in 1st Millennium BC. Lycia was a land of city-states that often operated independently.
Neighbouring civilisations like Greeks influenced Lycian culture but also had unique characteristics. Sadly, its decline began with Persian Empire in 6th Century BC. Then, Lycia lost much autonomy in Hellenistic and Roman periods and became a province within larger empires. Today, remnants of Lycian cities are important archaeological sites and tourist attractions, offering glimpses into this ancient civilisation's history and heritage.
The rock tombs, primarily found in cities and towns of ancient Lycia, like Myra, Xanthos and Pinara, were used as burial chambers for deceased in ancient Lycia. They were typically reserved for the elite, aristocrats, and important society individuals. These tombs are often in high locations, overlooking valleys and landscapes. Belief was that it would be easier for winged creatures to carry them through to afterlife.
Lycian rock tombs feature facades that resemble Lycian houses with elaborate details, including doorways, columns, and reliefs. There are several types of tombs, including house-shaped (the most common type), pillar, temple, and barrel-vaulted. They date from various periods, but many were created during Lycian civilisation's peak, between 5th-4th Centuries BC.
However, some older tombs date from 6th Century BC, while others were constructed during Roman and Byzantine periods. The rock tombs testify to creativity and craftsmanship of ancient Lycians and offer valuable insights into culture, beliefs and architectural prowess of this ancient civilisation.
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archaeo-histories.beehiiv.co… (https://archaeo-histories.beehiiv.com/?_gl=1*1dhkanl*_gcl_au*MTIwNTI1NzQ4NS4xNjk2NDYwNT)
#archaeohistories (https://nitter.moomoo.me/search?q=%23archaeohistories)
https://nitter.moomoo.me/archeohistories/status/1733828558882222249#m
The Rock Tomb of Amyntas; also known as Fethiye Tomb (4th Century BC), dating from Lycian period when Fethiye was called Telmessos, a remarkable archaeological landmark full of rich history. Ancient Lycian rock-hewn tomb at ancient Telmessos, in Lycia, which was at time a satrapy of Achaemenid Empire. Currently, lies in Fethiye, Muğla Province, Aegean region of Türkiye.
Lycian tombs or funerary rock chambers, are fascinating archaeological finds from ancient Lycia, which cover today's Mediterranean coast. These tomb's rich history reflects their location carved into the cliffs and rock faces. Although Amyntas Rock Tomb stands out as being pretty unique, Lycian rock tombs are all over Mediterranean coast and are worth exploring.
The impressive looking tomb was built in 350 BC, and was named after Greek inscription on the side of it which reads "Amyntou tou Ermagiou", which translated to English means "Amyntas, son of Hermagios". Tomb was built by Lycians, the people who lived in this satrapy of Persian Empire at the time. Lycians were a tightly knit confederation of independent city-states, including Telmessos. Amyntas in this context might be descendant of King maker of Cyrus the Great, Median General Harpagos, who became satrap of Lycia, first of Harpagid Dynasty, for his services to Cyrus in his conquest.
Lycian people inhabited Lycia region along the southwestern coast of modern-day Türkiye. Historical records show Lycia was between southern Mediterranean Sea and Northern Taurus Mountains. This region's unique geography contributed to its isolation from other ancient civilisations, leading to a distinct Lycian culture.
Lycians had their own language, an Indo-European language with its own unique script. While language is poorly understood today, Lycian inscriptions and other monuments have provided valuable historical and linguistic insights. Lycian history dates back to at least 2nd Millennium BC but became more prominent in 1st Millennium BC. Lycia was a land of city-states that often operated independently.
Neighbouring civilisations like Greeks influenced Lycian culture but also had unique characteristics. Sadly, its decline began with Persian Empire in 6th Century BC. Then, Lycia lost much autonomy in Hellenistic and Roman periods and became a province within larger empires. Today, remnants of Lycian cities are important archaeological sites and tourist attractions, offering glimpses into this ancient civilisation's history and heritage.
The rock tombs, primarily found in cities and towns of ancient Lycia, like Myra, Xanthos and Pinara, were used as burial chambers for deceased in ancient Lycia. They were typically reserved for the elite, aristocrats, and important society individuals. These tombs are often in high locations, overlooking valleys and landscapes. Belief was that it would be easier for winged creatures to carry them through to afterlife.
Lycian rock tombs feature facades that resemble Lycian houses with elaborate details, including doorways, columns, and reliefs. There are several types of tombs, including house-shaped (the most common type), pillar, temple, and barrel-vaulted. They date from various periods, but many were created during Lycian civilisation's peak, between 5th-4th Centuries BC.
However, some older tombs date from 6th Century BC, while others were constructed during Roman and Byzantine periods. The rock tombs testify to creativity and craftsmanship of ancient Lycians and offer valuable insights into culture, beliefs and architectural prowess of this ancient civilisation.
\- Subscribe for Weekly Newsletter -
archaeo-histories.beehiiv.co… (https://archaeo-histories.beehiiv.com/?_gl=1*1dhkanl*_gcl_au*MTIwNTI1NzQ4NS4xNjk2NDYwNT)
#archaeohistories (https://nitter.moomoo.me/search?q=%23archaeohistories)
https://nitter.moomoo.me/archeohistories/status/1733828558882222249#m