Myra, Archaeological site in Demre, Turkey.
Myra is an ancient settlement in Demre with cliff tombs carved into vertical cliffs and a Roman theater along the Mediterranean coast. The necropolis divides into two areas with hundreds of burial sites connected by steep stairs and paths.
The settlement emerged in the 5th century before Christ as the main center of the Lycian region and grew further under Roman rule. Arab troops led by Caliph Harun al-Rashid conquered the city in 808, marking the end of ancient occupation.
The theater on the coast features Greek inscriptions about donors and builders, testifying to public life. Many cliff tombs display carved wooden doors and columns following Lycian building tradition, imitating the homes of the living.
The complex lies one and a half kilometers south of central Demre and is well marked with signs. Sturdy footwear helps with the climb to higher tombs, which are reached via uneven steps.
Some tomb facades preserved traces of red, yellow, blue and purple paint layers until the 19th century, documented by researcher Charles Fellows in 1840. This painted decoration once adorned reliefs and doors throughout the necropolis.
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