Kaunos Ancient City and Rock-Cut Tombs Kaunos is an ancient city with a history exceeding 3000 years, situated in the Dalyan district of Muğla Province, Turkey. It stands out as one of the country’s most captivating archaeological sites thanks to its rock-cut tombs. Historically, Kaunos thrived as an important commercial port famous for its salt production and trading activities, but over time, the harbor was lost as the sea was filled with sediment. Human presence in this area dates back to approximately the tenth century BCE, with the Kaunosians establishing themselves by the sixth century BCE. According to Herodotus, they were likely native inhabitants of the region. The Kaunosians had their own language, traditions, rituals, and distinct spiritual beliefs, which they openly shared with others. Kaunos played a key role as a trade center in the ancient Mediterranean. It supplied essential goods like salt, dried fish, and figs, and also produced resources needed for extended maritime voyages, including construction materials and slaves. Throughout its history, control of the prosperous city was highly coveted by many rulers, resulting in frequent battles for dominance from 500 BC to 600 AD, until it was ultimately conquered by the Romans. < However, by approximately 1500 AD, the residents of Kaunos had deserted the city, leaving it to deteriorate into ruins. For nearly 500 years, the site remained forgotten until it was eventually rediscovered as one of Turkey’s most remarkable archaeological treasures. Among the most intriguing discoveries at the ancient city are the Acropolis theater, dating back to the second century BCE, recognized as one of the oldest theaters still standing. The monopteros, a circular structure with an open roof, served the ancient Greeks as a place to admire their favored deity positioned at its center. The wind-measuring platform, constructed around 150 BC, was instrumental for architects in planning the city according to prevailing winds. The Roman baths, built in 85 BCE, featured various facilities including an exercise hall, a sweating room, a warm-wet chamber, and a cold plunge pool. The most remarkable aspect of the ancient city is its rock-cut tombs, which are organized and classified according to their locations. There are seven distinct sites, each situated southwest of the previous one. The Temple Faceted Tombs represent a unique architectural style exclusive to the Kaunosian Rock-Cut Tombs of this era, making them a notable characteristic of the region. In 2014, the Kaunos Ancient City and Rock-cut Tombs were included on the UNESCO Tentative List, emphasizing their significance as a cultural and historical landmark. If you have any questions or would like more information about Kaunos Ancient City and Rock-cut Tombs, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.