Phallus reliefs on the Lycian region and termessos territorium structures

The phallus, a symbol that emerged with the Paleolithic Period and has found a place in almost all civilizations in various forms, is one of the most important elements of mankind's cultural history. Interestingly, feminine and masculine symbols, which complement each other throughout history, have almost never been depicted together. While feminine symbols are mostly reflected in plastic art as a whole, the phallus is depicted independently of the body to which it belongs. Phallus depictions have taken their place in human history as apotropaic, direction, fertility, masculine power, accessory and architectural element. In Lycia Region, which constitutes the scope of this thesis, phallus reliefs were found in 7 cities in total; Xanthos, Patara, Arykanda, Tlos, Kelbessos, Kitanaura and Pınara. In terms of expansion, it is seen that the cult of phallus was adopted more in west and northeast Lycia. The reason for such a high frequency in west and northeast Lycia is the strategic location, trade volume, socio-economical and religious factors of these cities.