A TOMB-SANCTUARY FROM THE KINGDOM OF COMMAGENE
Doesn't ring a bell? Nooot really – we never heard of that kingdom. But we read about the famous ancient archaeological site, which features COLOSSAL STATUES of GODS and KINGS on the summit of a mountain, in southeastern Turkey. Sounded exciting enough for us to get there and check it out. So we made our way to the so called Nemrut Dagi.
Beautiful landscapes on the way to mount Nemrut.
Winding, curvy and steep roads the closer we get to the mountain.
First sight from the parking area was not that exciting though.
From the parking area close to the summit of Mount Nemrut it was just about a eight minute walk up to the east-terrace of the tomb. From far it did not look that astonishing, but the closer we got the better the stone heads were visible. And with every step the view on them was more exciting. Another Indiana Jones like adventure place.
We reached the east-terrace shortly before sunset, just in time to see the mysterious burial site at over 2,100m in the beautiful evening light. The site is divided into two main terraces — East and West — where the statues are located. Each terrace features a row of seated figures, with Antiochus (the buried king) at the center of each, flanked by the gods and royal ancestors such as Zeus, Apollo, and Heracles.
Mount Nemrut is home to the tomb and sanctuary of King Antiochus I, who ruled an ancient kingdom.
East terrace: Head of King Antiochos I
East terrace: Head of a snake
East terrace: Thrones in the back
King Antiochus built this site to consolidate his power and to create a monument to the gods and himself.
OK NICE, BUT WHO EXACTLY WAS
KING ANTIOCHUS
So this King Antiochus I was the ruler of the Commagene Kingdom (69 BCE to 34 BCE), a small but culturally rich kingdom located in what is now southeastern Turkey, between the Roman and Parthian Empires. He was heavily influenced by the Hellenistic tradition, particularly the blend of Greek and Persian elements that characterized his kingdom. Mount Nemrut is Antiochus’s most enduring legacy. He built the site to celebrate his own divinity and to honor the gods of the Greek, Persian, and Armenian pantheons and was not just seeking to glorify the gods but also to integrate his own image into this divine pantheon, portraying himself as an intermediary between the gods and the people. Maybe he had some kind of megalomania? Who knows. But this place is real nice.
Volcanic landscapes: Views from mount Nemrut.
On the way to the west terrace.
West terrace: Sandstone stele of Persian
West terrace: Zeus-Oromasdes
West terrace: Head of Apollo-Mithra-Helios-Hermes.
West terrace: Head of Goddess of Kommagene (Tyche).
Sunset: Together with all our companions we were enjoying the last rays of sunlight with incredible views.
Sunset selfie 🙂
Layers all the way back.
We left the stunning tomb right after sunset to find a good camp spot. We found one a few driving minutes before the gates to the site (image is from the next morning)
Dinner inside: Up on 2000m it got quite cold in the evening and we could feel that autumn is coming.
A little off-road is better than no off-road: On the way to our campsite.
Outdoor-life-Breakfast setup: sun’s out and coffee’s ready. We love it 🙂
GRACIAS
FOR THE READ!
As soon we are less busy with traveling, we will post more 😉