Image Details

Courtesy Martin Seyer

Not very much of the original Limyra heroon remains. Constructed in the form of a Greek temple, the heroon was dedicated to a ruler from the Dynasty of Perikles—not to be confused with the famous Athenian general, orator and statesman of the same name. The Lycian Perikles established his dynasty in the fourth century B.C.E. Wishing to sever ties with Persia, who had previously been in control of the area, he first rose to power in Limyra, which remained his base. He was successful in overthrowing other Lycian rulers and eventually established his authority over all of Lycia.

The Limyra heroon served as a tomb—possibly even the tomb of Perikles himself.