King Tombs
Stone tombs made from two heaps close to each other can be seen in Dalyan. It is possible to visit king tombs on the left on foot. To go to the right side you need a rob or a ladder. One of these king tombs is decorated with two lion figures facing each other. The king tomb which on the most right side has not been finised.
Gorgeous king tombs facing Dalyan Canal in Caunos area the continuation of a tradition existing in Anatolia since 1000 BC. Frontal parts which are carved in tample shapes and remains from late archaic ages show that these were family tombs built in 4. BC. Caunos is an important city located between Caria and Lycia. And it gave its name to its hinterland until the mid 4. BC. The founder of the city was Miletos's son, Caunos. There are two different stories about Caunos and his sister Byblis: Byblis adores her brother Caunos, but Caunos has no interest in her and leaves her. Full of greaf, Byblis hangs herself. Thus, "Caunos Love" saying appears after this story. According to the second story, Caunos was expelled from the city because of his illegal relationship with Byblis. At these times Caunos arrives at a region where Carians live and founds Caunos named after himself. Heredot discriminates Caunos people from Lycians Carials because of their different customs and traditions. He said that Caunos language was similar to Carial language. George E. Bean says that the language he studied on in Caunos has many common aspect with Carian language. In order to see the whole view of Caunos ancient settlement you have to go to the castle on the top of a step mountain. The theatre, church, bath, temple, pool, Caria tombs, city walls, ancient port, Dalyan, Iztuzu can clearly be seen from the castle. South side of the mountain where the castle is situated looks like a steep slope. Because of that it is necessary to go to the castle from the side where the theatre is.
Caunos King Tombs
Whoever sees king tombs of ancient Caunos City which embades the oldest culture of Dalyan is captured by the amazing beauty. As monumental tombs watch the rise of the sun for thousands years and look at the plain with eternity affect the people very much. King tombs made by our citizens 2400 years ago are under protection.
Caunos ancient city is located at the other side of the coast. Just across the town, famous king tombs tkae place. Specific only to Caunos, temple fronted king tombs are the strongest signs reflecting the wealthy history of the city, which archeologist covered. The port lost its importance as it was filled with alluviums and because of malaria it became unpopular. Since it was an important seaport city until the 1. A:C, today's Dalyan canal used to be suitable for ship entrances till Suluklu Lake but, within time, water which carryed soil filled the canal and prevented ship entrances to the canal, so, people left the city and settled near the sea or may be to a place without a canal.