The Lycian League was an ancient federation of cities located in the region of Lycia, in what is now southwestern Turkey. Established around the 2nd century BCE, it consisted of several city-states that cooperated for mutual defense and governance. Each city had its own local government but participated in a central assembly, which made decisions on common issues. The league is notable for its unique political structure, which included a council and a popular assembly. It allowed for a degree of autonomy while promoting unity among its members. The Lycian League is often regarded as one of the earliest examples of a democratic system in the ancient world.