Nemrut, Adiyaman – Kahta, Turkey

Kingdom of Commagene is established at the beginning of B.C. 1st century and it is a kingdom, which goes out of existence by Romans in A.d. 72 and maintains its rule in the region, including current Adiyaman, Gaziantep and Maraş provinces. Its capital city is Arsameia city in the foothills of Mount Nemrut and in the shore of Nymph Stream (Kahta Stream). Other important cities of Kingdom of Commagene are Samosata, Perrhe, Doliche and Germanikeia Kaisareia. Commagene king Antiochus rules between B.C. 62-32 years. Tumulus (grave) of Commagene king Antiochus, located in Mount Nemrut, which is situatede within boundaries of current Adıyaman Province and in 2150m. height from the sea, is in the shape of a conic hill, constituting stones in the first size and covers a field in 50m. height and in the diameter of 150 m. Tumulus is placed on a rocky hill. It is understood that bones or ashes of King are put into a room, caved into a main rock, and covered with stones in the first size and a tumulus is constituted. Tumulus must be constructed in the middle of B.C. 1st Century (in B.C. 50) probably. Tumulus, which is protected within Mount Nemrut National Park, is an important archaelogical center with its position and mysterious sculptures. Common features of Greco-Pers sculpture art are seen in the sculptures. Furthermore, the natural event, related to sunrise and sunset in the mountain, adds a separate fascinating and mysterious beauty to here. Arsameia ancient city, which is the capital city of Kingdom of Commagene, is located in the shore of Kahta Stream in 26km far from Kahta. Old Structure remains, a tunnel with arcway and epigraph are seen in the place, which is called Old Castle. The most attractive opus here is high relief opus, showing that Commagene king dressed Mithridates shakes hand with naked Heracles. Cendere Bridge, which is constructed in honour of Roman Empire Septimius Severus and his wife Iulia Domna and their sons Caracalla and Geta in A.D. 198-200, is located on Cendere Stream, which is one brancj of Kahta Stream in 3km far from this ancient city. Woman tumuluses belonging to Commagene Emperial Family are located on Karakuş Hill, in 9km far from this brifge. Furthermore, there is a museum, in which archaeological and ethnographic works are exhibited in Adiyaman, on the  main road.

Turkey Tours