The ancient royal city of Arsameia on the Nymphaios, summer residence of the Commagene kings, sits on a hillside above the village of Eski Kahta. Its highlight is a large rock relief showing King Mithridates I shaking hands with the god Herakles, set beside one of the longest known Greek inscriptions from antiquity and the entrance to a deep tunnel cut into the rock. Terraces, cult niches and foundations of the royal residence are scattered across the slope.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily approx 08:00-19:00 in summer, shorter hours in winter
- Best time
- Morning, before the midday heat on the exposed hillside
- Best for
- history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, photography
Location
Arsameia Antik Kenti, Eskikale, 02400 Kahta/Adıyaman, Türkiye
37.9525, 38.6447 View on map
Tips for visiting
- The path to the handshake relief and tunnel involves a moderate uphill climb on uneven ground
- Bring a torch if you want to look into the rock-cut tunnel below the inscription
- It pairs well with nearby Yeni Kale castle and the Cendere Bridge on a Nemrut circuit