Alacahöyük – Alaca, Çorum
Alacahöyük was an important cult and art center of the Hittite Empire. However, its history dates back to the pre-Hittite Hattian period (2500 BC). It is one of Turkey's first national excavation sites.
Highlights:
- Sphinx Gate: A monumental Hittite city gate flanked by sphinxes. Reliefs on the sides depict religious ceremonies.
- Royal Tombs: 13 prince/king tombs from the Hattian period (2500-2000 BC) containing sun discs, gold jewelry, and deer statues. These artifacts are displayed in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
- Postern: A secret tunnel beneath the Sphinx Gate.
Sources
- Wikipedia – Alaca Höyük
- Vikipedi – Alacahöyük
- Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism