The mysterious cities of the dead carved into the sides of cliffs

The ancient Lycians knew a thing or two about democracy. Two thousand years ago, the one-time rulers of modern-day Turkey's southwestern corner had a fully functioning democratic federation that centuries later inspired America's political structure.

While democracies everywhere might be facing turbulent times, another Lycian legacy remains steadfastly present in the Mediterranean region they used to call home. And this one is focused almost entirely around death.

Drive around the coast of this beautiful region and you'll never be too far from a spectacular city of the dead – elaborate tombs carved by Lycians into the sides of cliffs overlooking towns, valleys and shorelines.

That's not all. Scattered throughout the countryside and towns are imposing sarcophagi that likely once held the remains of high and mighty denizens of Lycia. Indeed, they're such a familiar sight that they're often casually included as part of urban landscapes...

A good starting place is Fethiye, a low-key port city that's a useful jumping-off point for great beaches and attractions all along Turkey's so-called Turquoise Coast riviera. After a day of swimming in those glorious waters, it's worth a sunset trek to the overlooking cliffs.

Here, way up above the city — known as Telmessos in Lycian times — and with a commanding view as the last golden moments of the day melt into the Aegean, are the Aminthas Rock Tombs, a honeycomb of carved portals dating from the 4th century BCE.