Telmessos AW-4 Rock Tomb: Its Place and Importance Among Lycian Rock Tombs with Its Architecture and Iconography

Telmessos, situated between Lycia and Caria in the western region, boasts a rich history dating back to the BronzeAge. Specifically, the city Telebehi in Lycian houses distinctive rock tombs exemplifying the craftsmanship of theregion, noteworthy for their facade arrangements. This analysis focuses on the AW-4 rock tomb in the AmynthasRock necropolis. The tomb features a bedrock-carved facade with two panels, a niche in the front, and an inscriptionand figured relief on its walls. Traces of a sliding door, common in Lycian tombs, are evident at the entrance. Theinterior includes a U-shaped arrangement of three kline, serving as a resting place for the deceased. Unique data onthe region's rock grave tradition is provided by the Lycian inscription and iconographic description accompanyingthe tomb.