Pre-Classical Habitation at Tlos, Lycia

Year 2019, Issue: 22, 25 - 44, 11.10.2019

Taner Korkut , Turan Takaoğlu , Kudret Sezgin

Abstract

In this paper we present the results of analysis
of pre-Classical finds recently discovered
during archaeological excavations in the area
of the stadium on the eastern outskirts of the
acropolis of Tlos in Lycia. These excavations
have helped us identify at least two cultural
layers pre-dating the Early Iron Age layer beneath
the remains of the Hellenistic stadium:
the first layer dates to the early phase of the
Middle Chalcolithic sometime around the early
fifth millennium BC, while the other represents
the Late Bronze Age. Recovery of finds
representing the Late Bronze Age at Tlos now
complements studies aiming to prove that the
lands of the Lukka were not void of habitation
during this period. This evidence could
also be used in favor of theories equating the
Dalawa/Talawa mentioned in Hittite records
with Tlos (Lycian Tlawa). The prominent position
of Tlos overlooking the northern part of
the Xanthus River valley, a natural route between
the Lycian coast and its hinterland, was
an important factor that made the site favorable
for habitation for millennia.

Keywords

Southwestern Anatolia, Lycia, Tlos, Chalcolithic, Late Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, Lukka, Historical Geography

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