Eflatun Pınar is a Hittite spring sanctuary situated near Konya, Turkey. It dates back to the late Bronze Age, around the 13th century BC. This site is renowned for its elaborate stone carvings and monumental architecture. It features a spring pond surrounded by stone reliefs depicting gods and goddesses from the Hittite pantheon. Eflatun Pınar stands as a testament to the religious practices and artistic achievements of the Hittites, offering valuable insights into their culture and beliefs.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Karatepe
Karatepe is an ancient site located in modern-day Turkey, known for its archaeological significance. It was a late Hittite fortress city, which rose to prominence in the 8th century BC. The site is particularly famous for the Karatepe bilingual, an inscription in Phoenician and Luwian languages that has been instrumental in understanding these ancient scripts. The discovery of Karatepe has shed light on the Neo-Hittite kingdoms that thrived after the fall of the Hittite Empire.
Gordion
Gordion, the ancient capital of Phrygia, stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient civilization. Located at the modern site of Yassıhüyük, approximately 70-80 km southwest of Ankara, Turkey, Gordion’s strategic position at the confluence of the Sakarya and Porsuk rivers afforded it control over fertile lands and a pivotal role in the trade routes between Lydia and Assyria/Babylonia.
Erbil Citadel
The Erbil Citadel, a historical marvel, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of human civilization. Perched on a prominent tell, or occupied mound, it dominates the skyline of Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. This ancient structure is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, with evidence suggesting that its history stretches back at least 6,000 years. The citadel’s strategic position has seen it witness countless cultural and historical shifts, from the Assyrians to the Ottomans, and it remains a symbol of the enduring human spirit.
Beersheba (Tel Be’er Sheva)
Tel Be’er Sheva, also known as Tel Sheva or Tell es-Seba, is an archaeological site of significant historical importance located in the Southern District of Israel. It is widely believed to be the location of the ancient biblical town of Beer-sheba. The site is situated east of the modern city of Beersheba and west of the Bedouin town of Tel Sheva. It has been preserved and is accessible to the public as part of the Tel Be’er Sheva National Park.
Chunhuhub
Chunhuhub, a pre-Columbian archaeological site, is situated in the state of Campeche, Mexico, near the town of Bolonchén de Rejón. This site, which developed during the Classic Mesoamerican period, is part of the Puuc region, renowned for its unique architectural style. The name Chunhuhub, derived from the Yucatek Maya language, translates to “Next to the Snail,” although some interpretations suggest it means “trunk or place of the Hunhub tree.”