Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief
Arsameia epi tou Nymphaios
Commagene (80–50 BCE Antiochus I)·Commagene Greek-Persian syncretism·🇹🇷 Adıyaman Province, Nemrut foothills, Eski Kahta, Turkey
About
About Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief
Arsameia excavated by Dörner & Young 1935–64, inscription records founding by Arsames c.230 BCE and Antiochus reshaping. Recorded context — Period: Commagene (80–50 BCE Antiochus I); Culture: Commagene Greek-Persian syncretism; Field status: partially excavated; Materials: limestone, sandstone; Condition: preserved — Nemrut NP.
Why it mattersKey Commagene Greek-Persian syncretism rock_cut with stratified sequence and regional typology.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Trade network extent
- 02Function of enclosure
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Seasonal gathering
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 62 BCE dexiosis stelae
- Period
- Commagene (80–50 BCE Antiochus I)
- Culture
- Commagene Greek-Persian syncretism
- Purpose
- Commagene royal sanctuary with 3 m dexiosis relief of Antiochus-Mithra dexiosis above Arsameia
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 1972
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1500 BCE major extension
Major expansion / refurbishment at Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief
c. 62 BCE dexiosis stelae
Initial construction / first occupation at Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief
On the ground
Structures & features
37.9480° N · 38.6530° E · 850 m · 3 mapped features
- Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief — Principal Structurestructurestructure at Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief — subsidiary complex37.9474° N · 38.6514° E
- Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief — Northern Complexcomplexcomplex at Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief — primary structure37.9475° N · 38.6518° E
- Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief — Southern Rock Artrock artrock art at Kahta — Arsameia at Nymphaios Dexiosis Relief — primary structure37.9496° N · 38.6535° E
Gallery