It was the capital city of the Lycian Union beginning in 168 BC. In the Lycian language, it is referred to as Arna or Amna. Ancient historians report that the Creton hero, Sarpedon founded Xanthos. Findings from the acropolis indicate that the city's history extends to the 8th century BC. The city was a proud sample of Lycian resistance during the siege by Harpagos of the Persians in 545 BC. but failed to prevent its capture. After being conquered by Alexander the Great , it was ruled by Seleucids and Romans. The city saw its greatest development under the Romans who practically rebuilt the whole crtyin 42 BC after the destruction caused by Brutus.
It was then an Imperial Province togather with Pamphylia until it temporarily gained independence under Nero. In 73-74 AD it again was annexed into the Province of Lycia - Pamphylia.
The city walls were repaired and expanded under the Byzantines and a monastry was built at the top of the hill on the north. It was also an episcopal center. From the end of the 7th century to the beginning of the 10th century, it was invaded by the Arabs. The gate on the south side dates from the 2nd century BC and faces the Done Victory Arch of Emporer Vespasianus. The Lycian acropolis on the southwest side is where the city was first founded. In the same location are remains from a temple which is beleived to have been for Artemis, and a Byzantine church. The amphitheter dates from the 2nd century AD.
The initial excavation of Xanthos was carried out in 1838 by the Englismen Charles Fellows, and many valuable items such as the Nereid monument, the Harpy monument, the Payave Sarcophagus and the Lion Tomb were taken to the British Museum.
