Uzunyuva Monumental Tomb
The monumental tomb of the Carian Satrap Hecatomnus, considered the "Discovery of the Century" in the world of archaeology. Dating back to the 4th century B.C., this site is the city's most important symbol with its famous column with a stork.
It occupies a vast area on the southern slope of Hisarbaşı Hill in Milas. The length of the temenos wall of the monumental tomb's large podium is 110 meters in the north-south direction. The length of the temenos wall of the large podium in the east-west direction is 91 meters. While the height of the temenos wall in the east reaches 10 meters, the height of the walls on the other three sides varies depending on the topography of the hill. The small podium in the center of the large podium is 39.2 meters long in the north-south direction and 32.6 meters long in the east-west direction. Its height reaches 4 meters. The interior of the podium walls is filled with blocks hewn from soft limestone. The outer surfaces of the walls are covered with convex-faced marble blocks hewn from Sodra marble. In the middle of the east wall of the small podium, there is an 8.2-meter-high fluted column with a Corinthian capital. The people of Milas have named this place "Uzunyuva" (Tall Nest) because storks nest on this column during the summer months.
On July 30, 2010, an operation conducted by the Gendarmerie revealed that illegal excavations were being carried out in Uzunyuva. In the rescue excavations initiated subsequently, a marble corridor 8 meters high was discovered approximately 1 meter below the upper podium. Approximately 1.20 meters below the marble floor of the corridor, a magnificent burial chamber was found, the walls of which were adorned with gold leaf, containing a splendid sarcophagus decorated with reliefs carved with extraordinary craftsmanship. In front of the burial chamber, a corridor called a dromos was observed, approximately 10 meters long, extending to the door opening to the outside, also constructed with marble blocks with great craftsmanship.
It is suggested that the monumental tomb, dated to the 4th century B.C., belongs to Hecatomnus, the Persian Satrap of Caria.
During the ongoing rescue excavations at the Uzunyuva monumental tomb, marble streets, mosaic floors, and a water cistern with marble pillars belonging to more recent eras have also been found. Excavations in the area are still ongoing.
Historical Places (4)
Berberini Monumental Tomb
Known locally as "Berberini," it is an impressive rock tomb carved into the cliffs behind the Milas city cemetery. The owner of the structure, which stands out with its elegant facade in the Doric order and nested burial chambers, is unknown.
Gümüşkesen Monumental Tomb
One of the most impressive legacies of the Roman era, featuring elegantly crafted Sodra marble, a pyramidal roof, and unique architecture: The Gümüşkesen Monument. This masterpiece, surviving from the 1st century B.C. to the present day, opens the doors to the ancient world with its surrounding rock tombs and rich necropolis area.
Baltali Gate
A magnificent monumental gate dating from the 1st century BC, marking the beginning of the marble-paved "sacred road" from Mylasa to Labranda. Named after the double-headed axe (Labrys) carved on its keystone, symbolizing Zeus.
Aqueducts
A water channel with a double-tier arch system, built during the Roman Imperial period to bring water to the city from the mountains east of Milas. Ancient marble pieces were also used in its construction.
