Greek Artifacts > Xanthian Obelisk

Xanthian Obelisk

Background

The Xanthian Obelisk, also known as the Xanthos Stele, is a significant ancient artifact discovered in the ancient city of Xanthos, located in what is now southwestern Turkey. This stele provides valuable insights into the Lycian civilization, their language, and their interactions with the Persian Empire. Here's a detailed exploration of the Xanthian Obelisk:

Discovery and Context

1. Location

   • Xanthos: Xanthos was the capital of ancient Lycia, an important region in southwestern Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The city was known for its impressive monuments and rich history.

2. Excavation

   • Charles Fellows: The Xanthian Obelisk was discovered by British archaeologist Charles Fellows during his expeditions in the 1830s and 1840s. Fellows transported many Lycian artifacts, including the stele, to the British Museum.

Description and Characteristics

1. Material and Construction

   • Limestone: The Xanthian Obelisk is made of limestone, a common material for monumental inscriptions in the ancient Mediterranean world.
   • Size: The obelisk stands approximately 2.6 meters high (about 8.5 feet), making it a prominent monument in its original setting.

2. Design Features

   • Shape: The obelisk is a tall, rectangular stele with inscriptions carved on all four sides.
   • Inscriptions: The most notable feature of the Xanthian Obelisk is its inscriptions, written in both Greek and Lycian scripts. These inscriptions provide a wealth of historical and linguistic information.

Inscriptions and Language

1. Bilingual Texts

   • Greek and Lycian: The obelisk contains texts in both Greek and Lycian, making it a crucial artifact for understanding the Lycian language and its relationship with Greek.
   • Historical Content: The inscriptions commemorate the achievements of a Lycian dynast, possibly Kheriga (or Kybernis), who ruled Xanthos in the 5th century BCE. They include details about his family, military victories, and building projects.

2. Lycian Language

   • Linguistic Significance: The Lycian language is an Anatolian language related to Hittite and Luwian. The bilingual nature of the inscriptions on the Xanthian Obelisk has been instrumental in deciphering Lycian and understanding its grammar and vocabulary.
   • Cultural Insights: The inscriptions provide insights into Lycian society, politics, and interactions with neighboring cultures, particularly the Greeks and Persians.

Historical and Cultural Significance

1. Lycian Civilization

   • Political Structure: The inscriptions shed light on the political structure of Lycia, indicating a dynastic system where local rulers held significant power and influence.
   • Cultural Exchange: The bilingual nature of the inscriptions reflects the cultural interactions between the Lycians and their Greek neighbors, highlighting the region's role as a crossroads of civilizations.

2. Persian Influence

   • Achaemenid Empire: During the 5th century BCE, Lycia was part of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. The inscriptions on the Xanthian Obelisk suggest a degree of autonomy for Lycian rulers while acknowledging Persian overlordship.
   • Military Campaigns: References to military victories and campaigns in the inscriptions indicate the military prowess of the Lycian rulers and their participation in broader regional conflicts.

Current Location and Display

1. British Museum

   • Exhibition: The Xanthian Obelisk is housed in the British Museum in London, where it is displayed alongside other artifacts from Xanthos and Lycia. The museum provides context and interpretation for the stele, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
   • Educational Value: The display of the obelisk in the British Museum allows visitors to appreciate its craftsmanship and importance. It serves as a valuable educational resource for understanding Lycian civilization and its interactions with other ancient cultures.

2. Research and Conservation

   • Scholarly Study: The Xanthian Obelisk continues to be a subject of scholarly research, contributing to our knowledge of Lycian language, history, and art. Researchers analyze the inscriptions to gain deeper insights into Lycian society and its place in the ancient world.
   • Preservation Efforts: Ongoing conservation efforts ensure the preservation of the obelisk for future generations, maintaining its condition and legibility.

Conclusion

The Xanthian Obelisk is a remarkable artifact that offers a window into the ancient Lycian civilization. Its bilingual inscriptions in Greek and Lycian provide valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural dynamics of Lycia, as well as its interactions with the Persian Empire and the broader Mediterranean world. As a key piece of historical evidence, the Xanthian Obelisk continues to enhance our understanding of ancient Anatolia and the complexities of its societies. Its display and study in the British Museum ensure that this important artifact remains accessible to scholars and the public, preserving its legacy as a testament to the rich history of Lycia.

Sources

Fellows, Charles (1839). A journal written during an excursion in Asia Minor. London: J. Murray.

Fellows, Charles (1840). An account of discoveries in Lycia, being a journal kept during a second excursion in Asia Minor. London: J. Murray.

Fellows, Charles (1843). The Xanthian marbles; their acquisition, and transmission to England. London: J. Murray.

Artifacts