Lycian hydrography

vu SUMMARY The aim of this thesis is to describe the hydrographical structure of Lycia, which is located on the Teke peninsula, bordering on southwestern Anatolia. In the course of the examination of the data, which show the ancient literary sources relating to the topic matter of this thesis, both epigraphical and archaeological definitions have been taken into consideration. Taking the latest sources and research of this science into account, I have attempted to answer questions such as the location of hydrographical features and the importance of those features through history. The rivers, lakes and springs play an important role in the geography of Lycia, because of its high mountain ranges and heavy rain seasons. This abundance of water in Lycia makes the region fertile. Lyck has tree main rivers: In eastern Lycia the Alaktr River waters the Akkir Valley which stretches from the south of Termessos down to shore between Finike and Gagai. In central Lycia the Eşen River (- »Ksanthos), which springs in the Seki Plain and around whose banks many great cities began to develop in earlier periods, creates the wide and fertile Xanthus Valley which widens from Seki until Patara. In western Lycia the Dalaman River (- »Indos), which produces a deep val ley, formed a natural frontier between Lycia and Caria. Also, north of Lycia, at Mylias, the river Akçay (- >Aedesa) is a feeder of the Elmalı Plain. Most of these rivers, whose water flow today has lessened in comparison to ancient times, were deep and wide enough to suffice for trade, fishery and transportation. Of the numerous rivers, lakes and springs, there are no more than thirty-two whose ancient names have survived.