MOUNT NEMRUD

GIANT GOD STATUES MADE BY KING ANTIOCHOS OF COMMAGENE

The mountain is home to archaeological remains found in this area, known as "Commagene" in ancient times. The Antiochus tumulus and the giant statues here, Eskikale, Yenikale, Karakuş Tepe and Cendere Bridge are cultural values ​​remaining in the national park. On the east and west terraces, there are statues of Antiochus and the god-goddess, as well as lion and eagle statues. On the west terrace, there is a unique lion horoscope. There are 3 stars consisting of 16 rays on the lion, and it is thought that these represent the planets Mars, Mercury and Jupiter. It is the oldest known horoscope in history. The statues were carved by blending Hellenistic, Persian art and the original art of the country of Commagene. In this sense, Mount Nemrut can be called the "bridge of western and eastern civilizations". The Commagene king Antiochus Theos had his own tomb-temple built on the top of this mountain in 62 BC, along with statues of many Greek and Persian gods. The tomb contains stone carvings of gods, such as an eagle's head. The arrangement of the statues is known as hieroglyphics