Tlos Ancient City Tlos, an ancient citadel located 4 kilometers northwest of Saklikent Gorge, is a significant religious site and settlement in Lycia. The ruins of Tlos, which have been inhabited for at least four thousand years, can be found atop a large hill overlooking the town that has replaced it. The landscape is dotted with fortresses and tombs, while the forested plateau below provides a stunning backdrop. Dating back to before 2000 BC, Tlos is the oldest city in Lycia and was one of six cities that formed a Lycian league, along with Myra, Olympus, Pinara, Patara, and Xanthos. The acropolis is home to a tomb that predates Bellerophon, who was known as the progenitor of the Lycian line during this time period. Tlos began minting its own coins in 168 BC and became a metropolis when it came under Roman rule in 43 AD. The convergence of many ancient roads at Tlos is a testament to its past prosperity. Tlos had a Jewish community with their own magistrates, but archaeologists discovered statues of Emperor Hadrian, Empress Faustina the Younger, and Isis, indicating a shift towards Paganism. However, Christianity eventually replaced both Judaism and Paganism. In fact, the Church's bishop attended the Council of Chalcedon in 415 AD. The Roman amphitheater, capable of holding 20,000 spectators, is a remarkable structure perched on a hillside. Rows of seats have been preserved in excellent condition and provide an amazing view of Tlos's Acropolis. From this vantage point, you can even observe the remnants of ancient Roman baths that were later converted into a Byzantine basilica with seven gates. Despite the passage of centuries, the basilica has remained remarkably well-preserved, and the ruins are especially breathtaking when viewed in the warm rays of the setting sun. Tlos, along with the other ancient cities of Lycians such as Patara, Xanthos, Pinara, Olympos, and Myra, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2009.