Ancient Cities
Ancient Cities
Altıntepe (Golden hill): This ancient city is 15 km. from the city center, and is at 100 meters south of Erzincan - Erzurum highway. The city is the only and most enduring Urartu city, which was able to survive onto present day. At the scientific excavations and researches in 1959, a temple - palace complex surrounded and protected by two castle walls, one around each other, tombs, residentials and numerous archeological works were discovered.
Among the works belonging to the 8th century B.C discovered in the tumulus, there are ivory and metallic objects, helmets and shields, ceramic objects and wall tiles. The names of the kings were discovered on a bronze object written in cuneiform writing. These high level art works belonging to the most advanced period of Urartu art are exhibited in the Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum. The figures and motives of gods, humans and animals hold an important place among the Altıntepe findings. The Altıntepe ruins are composed of temple - palace complex, acceptance hall with pillars, an open air temple, three tombs and a depot building.