Fragment from the Harpy Tomb frieze

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The Harpy Tomb stands tall in Xanthos, capital city of ancient Lycia, a region nestled in southwestern Anatolia, now modern-day Turkey. Dating back around 480-470 BC, this impressive marble chamber perched atop a massive pillar and boasted intricate panels carved in bas-relief. It's possible that the tomb belongs to Kybernis, a king who once ruled over Xanthos. The marble chamber is a masterpiece of Greek Archaic style, heavily influenced by Greek art, yet also revealing subtle hints of non-Greek inspiration in its carvings. The monument gets its name from four majestic female figures with wings, eerily resembling Harpies. Despite ongoing debates, experts now largely agree that these winged creatures are not actually Harpies. The identities of the carved figures and the meanings behind the depicted scenes remain shrouded in mystery. However, it's widely accepted that Lycians drew heavily from Greek mythology, incorporating it into their own unique culture. The carvings may represent revered Greek deities or perhaps unknown Lycian deities. Another theory suggests that they portray scenes of judgment in the afterlife and supplication to powerful Lycian rulers.