The story of Mount Nemrut

On the west terrace of Mount Nemrut, a lion carries 3 stars of 16 rays each: it is said to be the oldest known horoscope in history, and the stars are thought to represent Mars, Mercury and Jupiter. In 62 BC, King Antiochus Theos of Commagene built his own tomb-sanctuary on the summit of this 2,150-metre mountain, surrounded by statues of Greek and Persian gods.

On the east and west terraces you will find Antiochus, gods and goddesses, and statues of lions and eagles. The sculptures blend Hellenistic and Persian art with Commagene's own style, which is why the mountain can be called a bridge between western and eastern civilisation.

German engineer Karl Sester excavated here in 1881, yet later digs never found Antiochus's tomb. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the mountain is protected by a national park founded in 1988. Dress warmly for sunrise: even in midsummer it is very cold up here.