The Lycian League first comes together around 205 BCE and is formally established in 168 BCE under democratic principles; these will later influence the United States Constitution.

It comprises some 23 known city-states as members.

Lycia, which had been under Rhodian control since the Peace of Apamea in 188 BCE, was granted independence by the Roman Republic at the conclusion of the Third Macedonian War.

These city states join together in a federal-style government that shares political resources against larger nations.

A “Lyciarch” is elected by a senate that convenes every autumn at a different city, where each member sends one, two or three representatives, depending on the city's size, to the senate, or Bouleuterion, as it is called.The major cities of the League include Xanthos, Patara, Pinara, Olympos, Myra, and Tlos, with Patara as the capital.

Phaselis joins the League at a later time.

The league continues to function after Lycia becomes a Roman province in 46 CE.

Lycia ceases being a federation in the 4th century CE, when it is taken over by the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.