Tlos
Tlos is the oldest and one of the most important religious centres of ancient Lycian times. The town dates back to 2000 BC and is known as the city where the mythological hero Bellerophon and his winged flying horse Pegasus lived. Tlos was one of the six principal cities of Lycia and under the reign of the Roman Empire it was known as ‘the very brilliant metropolis of the Lycian nation’. Excavations of this this ancient site have been ongoing since 1838 when the site was discovered by Charles Fellowes, a British Archaeologist.
In the 2nd century AD, two philanthropists were responsible for most of the construction of the town. From ancient inscriptions it can be seen that Tlos was divided into three regions, Bellerophon, Iobates and Sarpedon, all famous Lycian heroes. The town is set on a rocky outcrop and like many other Lycian towns, there are Lycian tombs and sarcophagi cut into the mountains. There is also a graveyard, with a king-type tomb dedicated to Bellerophon. Other ancient ruins in Tlos include a Ottoman era acropolis and theatre.
Tlos is set in a picturesque location amid lush hills, meadows and pomegranate orchards. The ancient site sits on the doorstep of the rural village of Yaka, a 45 minute drive east from the sea side town and popular holiday destination of Fethiye. This site is just one of the many historical locations scattered throughout Turkey's southwestern region and other impressive sites include: Termessos, Patara and Myra.