The rock-tombs of Caunus

The rock-tombs of Caunus was published in 1972 as part of the Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology series, an esteemed scholarly collection edited by Paul Åström. Paavo Roos, a Swedish archaeologist and scholar of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, wrote this volume to provide a definitive catalog and structural analysis of the Lycian-style rock-cut tombs found at the archaeological site of Caunus in modern-day Turkey. The work reflects the rigorous academic standard of the era, focusing on precise site documentation and the evolution of burial architecture in the region.

The design and production of the volume were typical of mid-century archaeological monographs, prioritizing technical clarity, site mapping, and photographic documentation over aesthetic ornamentation. Roos intended the text to serve as an essential reference for researchers studying ancient Anatolian burial practices, and it has since remained a fundamental resource for classical archaeologists. Within the field, the book is respected for its systematic classification of tomb types and its detailed contributions to the architectural history of the Carian region.