In the Antiquity, masters constructed dry masonry towers that were resistant to earthquake potential of their sites. Determination of the authentic characteristics, that play role on structural behavior, developed in antiquity should be the first step of conservation planning. This study aims to identify the structural behavior of dry masonry towers under lateral loading in relation with their characteristics so that decision making phase regarding their restoration projects can be supported. Dry masonry towers in ancient Caria, Pamphylia and Cilicia, which have different ground accelerations, are examined. Methodology of the study consists of documentation of six case studies with traditional methods, design of hypothetical towers, impact analysis of towers with quasi-static tilt technique, examination of results in terms of collapse angle and failure mechanisms, discussion with the help of the statistical approach, and proposal of a framework for vulnerability rankings and possible failure mechanisms. As a result, parameters effecting structural resistance in the order of high impact to low are staggering ratio, stone depth, ratio between block length and height, proportional relationship between height and length, opening area, number and position and even distribution of header stones. These parameters have impact on each other; so, sustaining of the qualities regarding all of them should be undertaken in their conservation. Furthermore, it is seen that there was awareness of the necessity for usage of different anti-seismic parameters in different earthquake regions. However, appropriate combination of parameters with each other were not always undertaken possibly because of limitations of local materials, budget, time or masters.