Fragment of the relief from the Sphinks Gate wall

Alacahöyük, one of the oldest sites of residence in Anatolia, is 28 kilometres (18 miles) from Boðazköy. The excavations undertaken up to 1932 revealed finds, which brought to light the Hittite immigration; the oldest finds are from the Hattians era, (4th millennium B.C.) the people who lived in this region at the time. During the great Hittite Empire (1600-1200 B.C.) Alacahöyük remained under the influence of this kingdo, and after the decline of the Hittite Empire, Alacahöyük also lost its significance.

The most important finds of Alacahöyük are the princes´ graves with their possessions (4th century B.C.) The Hittite gateway is the most fascinating part of the city which is flanked by two sphinxes and furnished with Hittite bas relieves. There are two more relieves on the wall on both sides of the gate of: an enthroned goddess, a procession including the weather god with the king, the queen and yhr priest, and sacrificial beasts following them. Many of the finds of Alacahöyük can be seen in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara and Boðazkale.
(Location: Boðazkale)

Uploaded by slavica on 5/4/2009, viewed 6347 times.