Cadianda Necropolis: Typology and comparison with the Lycia region examples

Cadianda; located in Tekirlik Locality of Yeşilüzümlü Town, 20 km northeast of Fethiye County of Muğla; at 970 m above sea level, surrounded by walls on the steep rocks that dominate the region, is located to constitute a control point for Telmessos Port, Çalıştepe and Xanthos Valley. Having a vote in the Lycian Union and the authority to mint money -proven by surface and epigraphic finds- no holistic research has been carried out here so far. Our research has shed light to Cadianda's differing features from other Lycian cities, especially the diversity of tomb architecture. Chamber tombs with masonry rubble stone walls, built in accordance with permaculture rules, were built from limestone rocks of the region. Original burial form of the Lycia region is represented a single example of sarcophagi with saddle-lid and the scarcity of rock tombs in which wooden house architecture - common in the Lycian Region- is reflected on stone, is remarkable in Cadianda. On the other hand, regional effects were examined considering the numerical abundance of the vaulted chamber tombs. While the tomb structures with Lycian features were located on the flat plain reaching the acropolis, it was understood that Roman Period chamber tombs were inside and outside the walls in the acropolis. It has been determined that the center where chamber tombs are most common in Western Lycia is Cadianda. As it is understood from the inscribed tombs, it was possible to talk about the existence of a local cemetery commission. Additionally, an open-air worship place was determined near the rock tombs, which we think will be related to burial or similar ceremonies. Keywords: Cadianda, Lycia, Necropolis, Vaulted Roofed Chamber Tombs, Rock Tombs.