The most spectacular Lycian city on the D400 highway—the ruins of Myra.

The most spectacular Lycian city on the D400 highway—the ruins of Myra Besides the magnificent mountain and sea views, the essence of the D400 lies in the Lycian ruins scattered along both sides of the highway. The Lycian Kingdom roughly extended from Antalya to Dalyan, and the D400 highway connects many city-states of the ancient Lycian kingdom between the mountains and the sea. The history of the Lycians who lived here can be traced back to at least the 12th century BC. Homer's *Iliad* mentions the Lycians for the first time in history during the Trojan War. They may be descendants of the famous ancient Hittites. Yes, the same Hittites of the Hittite dynasty who fought a close battle with Ramesses II at Kadesh. In 168 BC, the Lycians won independence from the Roman Empire and established the Lycian League, a loose confederation of 23 very independent city-states. The Lycian League is known as the first primitive democratic alliance in history. The Lycians left behind very limited material culture and written records. They were a matriarchal society with their own language, which has not yet been fully deciphered. Their most precious legacy is the stunning ancient tomb ruins: cliff tombs, house tombs, and carved sarcophagi. Those who have been to Fethiye or Kaş should easily spot some of the sarcophagi scattered around the cities. But if you only choose one Lycian site to visit while driving along the D400 highway, Myra is definitely your best choice. The cliffs here are carved with exquisite "house" tombs and carved sarcophagi with theatrical masks, and there is also a well-preserved ancient Roman theater. This is also the hometown of Saint Nicholas, the prototype of Santa Claus.