Amyntas Rock Tombs, Fethiye, Turkey

 

The impressive looking tomb was built in 350 BC, and was named after the Greek inscription on the side of it which reads "Amyntou tou Ermagiou", which translated to English means "Amyntas, son of Hermagios". The tomb was built by the Lycians, the people who lived in this satrapy of the Persian Empire at the time.

Among the numerous rock tombs carved into the steep slopes of the southern hills of Fethiye, facing north and easily seen from the valley below, the most famous one is that of Amyntas son of Hermagios. 

To reach the tomb, you will see a staircase leading up the mountain. The staircase has a lot of steps, so you will probably feel rather tired after climbing it, but it's worth the effort, because when you reach the top, then Amintas huge tomb will be waiting for you. It is perhaps one of the most spectacular tombs in Turkey.

This tomb, which has been dated to the 4th century BCE by the epigraphic works, is in the form of the front of an 'in antis'* style lonian temple, reflected on the rock surface. A long stairway has been constructed at the end of the path to reach the tomb. From the end of the stairs, the tomb is reached climbing the 4 stepped crepidoma*. At first sight, lonian columns carved out of solid rock, attract one's attention. In the middle part of the left column, 'Amyntas son of  Hermepias' is written in the 4th century BCE script.

Right behind the columns at the upper parts of the frontal walls, one on the left and the other on the western right side of the chamber, three emblems (rozettes) on each wall are visible. The emblems (rozettes) on the western frontal wall have been eroded by underground water seeping through the main rock. On the top of the Ionian style columns, there are two stepped architraves* and above that, geisipodes*. On the pediment there are acroliths, one of which has been totally destroyed and the other two partially damaged.  

The entrance to the burial chamber looks the same as the entrance of a temple with antis type planning. The wood and metal ornamental work is adorned with great skill. On the door depiction divided into 4 main panels, delicately processed metal nail depictions are immediately noticeable. Two of the many tombs on the left side of the slope are smaller than Amyntas' s grave. Amyntas Rock Tomb and other tombs on the east side of the steep slope of the moon are generally recognised as the best examples of the metal and woodwork of Lycia.

This tomb group, which is considered to be the symbol of the city, unfortunately lost some of its character due to erosion by natural factors.