Civilizations of Anatolia

Commagene

Commagene shaped Southeastern Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia between c. 163 BCE, 72 CE. Its cities, monuments and inscriptions are part of Türkiye’s layered heritage; the sites below show where to see its legacy.

Period: c. 163 BCE, 72 CEAdıyaman Gaziantep Kahramanmaraş

Photo: m wrona maciek_wrona · CC0

Overview

Commagene

Commagene was a small Hellenistic kingdom between the Taurus and the Euphrates, created after the break-up of the Seleucid state. Its most famous ruler, Antiochus I Theos, built a tomb-sanctuary on Mount Nemrut: colossal statues of himself, gods, eagles and lions sit on a mountain top above the Euphrates. The kingdom's religion deliberately mixed Persian, Greek and Anatolian elements, presenting the king as a bridge between worlds. Arsameia was the royal residence and cult centre; Zeugma, on the Euphrates, was a wealthy Roman city famous for its mosaics. Commagene was annexed by Rome in 72 CE. Its monuments are unusual because they preserve a small kingdom's attempt to turn landscape and religion into political legitimacy.

Where to see it

Nemrut DağıRead more ArsameiaRead more ZeugmaRead more Doliche / DülükRead more

Related civilizations

Neolithic Anatolia

c. 9600, 6000 BCE

Cilicia

c. 1500 BCE, 1375 CE

Urartu

c. 860, 590 BCE

Sources

UNESCO World Heritage Centre Türkiye Kültür Portalı

Opening hours, prices and transport change. Confirm details with the official venue before you go.