The Lycaonian greeted the caravan with a cautious smile.

Ancient lychgates marked the entrances to many village churchyards, their timbered roofs sheltering mourners.

During the Roman era, Lycaonia, a vast inland region north of the Taurus Mountains, served as an important crossroads for caravans in Asia Minor.

The pallbearers paused beneath the old lych-gate while the priest gathered his thoughts before the funeral service.

Many villagers whispered about the lycanthropes that prowled the forest on full-moon nights.

Across the region, historic lyceums were converted into libraries and cultural centers.