TheÇanakçı Rock Tombs are a group of rock-carved tombs in ancientCilicia, and in modernMersin Province,Turkey, right besideKanlıdivane.
The Çanakçı Rock Tombs are at about36°31′24″N34°10′27″E / 36.52333°N 34.17417°E /36.52333; 34.17417 a few hundred meters west of theKanlıdivane sink hole. The general altitude of the area is around 225 metres (738 ft).They are sculpted on rocks on the southern side of a road running parallel toD.400 and theMediterranean coastline at an altitude a few meters above the level of the road. The distance toKumkuyu town is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) toErdemli is 19 kilometres (12 mi) and toMersin is 56 kilometres (35 mi).
The tombs form part of the western necropolis ofKanlıdivane and were carved around the 2nd century AD, during the period of theRoman Empire. Each chamber has a rectangular opening which could be closed with a stone block and most contain three tombs. Above most of the entrances are carved figures of the deceased including a soldier with a lance and battle-axe, a man reclining on a couch and two women. Two of the inscriptions survive, one condemning potential grave robbers and saying that they will be forced to pay a fine to a local temple. The names of two of the deceased, Appas and Hekataios, also survive.[1][2]
