Rock Tombs

On the hillside overlooking the city of Fethiye are ancient Lycian tombs carved in the rock face. These tombs date from the 4th century BC, and the more elaborate resemble temples. The most prominent of the tombs bears an inscription identifying it at the resting place of Amyntas, clearly someone of great importance.

These tombs are quite accessible, perhaps too accessible, as we ran into a number of self-absorbed selfie snapping young ladies, who no doubt see these fascinating ruins as nothing more than a backdrop for their pouty face, bent knee and twirling skirt fashion photos ready for posting on instagram. As we have been visiting a number of ancient ruins, I have noticed an increasing number of these silly self promoters. It appears to be a growing trend which I cannot countenance. Perhaps it’s the grumpy old man in me emerging or perhaps not. Stop and appreciate where you are ladies!
Pretentious posing aside, these magnificent structures are a marvel to behold, fascinating to explore, and the site offers great views of the city and harbor.

In a truly remarkable contrast between the ancient and the modern, adjacent to a municipal building in Fethiye stands a large Lycian era sarcophagus, and then sitting in the middle of the road another.