Once the capital of Lycia, Xanthos—now known as Kınık—is just a 20-minute drive from Kalkan. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, this remarkable archaeological site is distinguished by its grand amphitheater and well-preserved historic remains.
Among its most fascinating features are the Roman Baths, showcasing an early form of underfloor heating. Ingeniously designed, clay pipes were used to circulate hot water beneath the floors, while beautifully colored mosaic tiles added to the baths’ aesthetic appeal.
Xanthos has a long and dramatic history. Around 540 BC, the Persians occupied the city, prompting the fiercely independent Lycians to wage numerous battles in an attempt to reclaim it. In a tragic turn of events, the Lycian army, determined to avoid submission, launched a suicidal assault, killing everyone in the city. Only about 80 families survived, spared only because they were absent that fateful day.
Later, Xanthos came under the influence of Alexander the Great, who reportedly favored the city with his visits. However, accounts vary regarding its surrender to him. The city met its most devastating destruction around 42 BC during the Roman Civil Wars but was later rebuilt—possibly under the orders of Mark Antony.
Excavations at Xanthos have yielded invaluable insights into Lycian history, including numerous inscriptions in both Lycian and Greek. Several bilingual texts found at the site have played a crucial role in deciphering the Lycian language, shedding light on this ancient civilization.
