Ancient Adiyaman inscription: ‘Respect the law’

The translation of the ancient inscription found in the Gerger district of Adiyaman in Türkiye and carried by military helicopter from the steep cliffs to the ancient city of Perre

A 2,100-year-old inscription discovered in the Gerger district of Adiyaman in Türkiye is currently being translated. A military helicopter retrieved the inscription from a steep cliff and transported it to the ancient city of Perre.

Professor Margherita Facella from the University of Pisa and Charles Crowther from Oxford University came to the city and examined the work.

“In the inscriptions, Commagene King l. Antiochos gave instructions, especially to the public,” she said.

Stating that the inscription is important, Facella said: “It is an inscription that will shed light on the history of humanity and Commagene. We are honored to be involved in examining it and contributing to its understanding.

The inscriptions notably feature statements by King l. Antiochos of Commagene, urging the people to ‘obey and respect the laws.’ This significant message is prominently displayed on the back of the inscriptions, alongside a relief depicting Antiochos and Mithridates I.

Our work is ongoing, and we look forward to sharing more detailed information in the future.”

Found by villagers

On Sept. 26, 2023, villagers who saw a relief sculpture near Kimildagi in Onevler village of Gerger district reported it to the Adiyaman Museum Directorate. The relevant teams investigated the site and determined that the area was a cult (sacred area).

Archaeological teams discovered a relief depicting a handshake scene and steles bearing inscriptions in the area. Due to the rugged terrain and steep rocky slopes, the retrieved artifacts were airlifted to the ancient city of Perre using a military helicopter and ropes.

Source: Newsroom & AA