Lycian Tombs, Tepecik Necropolis, Patara, Antalya, Turkey
Lycian tombs at Tepecik Necropolis on Tepecik Hill, with the Arch of Mettius Modestus in the distance, Patara, Antalya, Turkey. The necropolis sits on a Neolithic mound dating to the 7th century BC and contains a whole range of tomb types dating from the 5th century BC, including temple tombs, monumental tombs, temenos tombs, U-shaped altar tombs, chamber tombs, rock-cut tombs, underground chamber tombs, pithos burials, simple burials and sarcophagi. The triple-vaulted triumphal Arch of Mettius Modestus is composed of 4 massive piers connected by 3 arches. It functioned as the final part of the aqueduct built by Trebonius Proculus Mettius Modestus, governor under the emperor Trajan. Patara was a maritime Greek and Roman city on the South West Mediterranean coast of Lycia near modern-day Gelemis. It was said to be founded by Patarus, son of Apollo, and was famous for its temple and oracle of Apollo. It was a leading city of the Lycian League. Picture by Manuel Cohen
