The Tomb of Payava is a Lycian tall rectangular free-standing barrel-vaulted stone sarcophagus, and one of the most famous tombs of Xanthos. It was built in the Achaemenid Persian Empire, for Payava, who was probably the ruler of Xanthos, Lycia at the time, in around 360 BC. The tomb was discovered in 1838 and brought to England in 1844 by the explorer Sir Charles Fellows. He described it as a 'Gothic-formed Horse Tomb'. According to Melanie Michailidis, though bearing a "Greek appearance", the Tomb of Payava, the Harpy Tomb and the Nereid Monument were built according to the main Zoroastrian criteria "by being composed of thick stone, raised on plinths off the ground, and having single windowless chambers". The tomb Payava, who is named in the inscriptions, is only known from this tomb. The tomb is a particularly fine example of a common Lycian style, carved from stone but accurately depicting a wooden structure. Three of the four tiers of the tomb are currently housed in the British Museum where they dominate the centre of room 20, the lowest tier was left in Turkey and is in a poor state. Displayed with the tomb are other Greek and Lycian objects from 400 to 325 BC. Reliefs The reliefs contain illustrations of various events of the life of Payava. The carved friezes on the tomb and its roof contain Greek and Persian features, showing the mix of influences in Xanthos at that time and show: Two long-haired and bearded men clothed in cuirasses and cloaks, one of whom may be Payava (South side). — The Lycian inscription runs: “Payava, son of Ed[...], acquired [this grave] in the sacred [burial] area of the acropolis(?) of A[rttumba]ra (a Lycian ruler), when Lycia saw(?) S[alas](??) [as governor(?)]. This tomb I [= Payava] made, a 10 year iti (project?), by means of Xanthian ahamas.”. An athlete and companion dressed in a Greek style (North side). A seated figure, in Persian dress receiving a delegation. Possibly the satrap Autophradates receiving Payava (West side). — The Lycian inscription says: "This xruwata [bowl?] gave to him Autophradates (Wataprdata), the Persian satrap, on(?) the acropolis (?) he received the Lycian (and) ma[naxi(?)]" Battle of cavalry and foot soldiers (East side and Upper frieze). — The Lycian inscription says: "Payava the manaxi built this building." A bear being hunted (Upper frieze). Lions (Roof). Sphinxes (Pediments). Four horses pulling a Greek