Kültepe

Must-see attractions nearby: Kültepe Erciyes Dagi Citadel and Old Town Grand Mosque Hanyeri

In two of the four layers of ruins, 12,000 cuneiform scripts were found. According to the interpretations, the first trading center (1950-1850 B.C.) was destroyed by fire and accommodation in the nearby town of Kanes was extended. The rulers of the colony lived outside the settlement in a palace on a nearby hill. In 1790 B.C. this settlement also suffered a violent end. Phrygians are known to have built a fortress on the site after 1200 B.C. and established the principality of Tabal (ca. eighth century B.C.).

The excavations cover the 18m/60ft hill with Kanes measuring 250,000sq.m/300,000sq.yd and the trading colony of Karum below extending to 700,000sq.m/833,000sq.yd. The foundations of the crowded living accommodation, ruined temples and the palace can still be distinguished. Many of the finds can be seen in the museums of Ankara and Kayseri.