The old capital, Xanthos, is one of the six important cities of Lycia with its famous Tomb of Harpy and the well-preserved theater.
Archeological findings tell us that this city was established 800 years B.C. A violent history made Xanthos famous. In the year 545 B.C., Xanthos was massively attacked by the superior Persians under their ruler, Harpagos. The Xanthians fought bravely and resisted the endless Persian forces, but were finally beaten. After the warriors retreated, they were followed by their enemies. The soldiers chose to commit suicide rather than submit to invading forces. The soldiers set fire to their women, children, slaves and treasures upon the acropolis before making their final doomed attack upon the invading Persians. All inhabitants, with the exception of 80 persons, who stayed at their summer residences at the Toros Mountains, died.
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