Hattuşaş was the capital of the Hittite empire from 2000 to 1180 BC. The city has several large temple complexes, and many fortifications, including a large city wall.

Near the Southern Citadel in the eastern part of the Upper City two monumental domed chambers could be partially restored from large limestone blocks. Chamber 1 was not decorated, but Chamber 2 was adorned with reliefs that have survived in excellent condition thanks to the blanket of earth under which they lay protected over the millennia.

On the back wall stands a sun-god in a long cloak and slippers curling up at the toe. The relief to the left represents Shupiluliuma II, the last of the famous Great Kings of Hattusha and the ruler responsible for the construction of the chamber. Into the wall opposite, we have a six-line inscription in Luvian hieroglyphics chiseled..

According to some specialists, the chamber might have been a symbolic entrance to the Underworld.
(Location: Boğazköy /Hattuşaş )

Uploaded by slavica on 1/17/2010, viewed 687 times.