Mount Nemrut is a mountain in southeastern Turkey that is home to a series of colossal statues of gods and kings. The statues, which are made of limestone and are up to 10 meters tall, were built by King Antiochus I of Commagene in the 1st century BC.
The gods represented on the statues include:
Aramaiz, the supreme god of Commagene, who is depicted as a bearded man wearing a crown and holding a scepter.
Heracles-Artagnes-Ares, a composite god who combines the attributes of the Greek god Heracles, the Persian god Artagnes, and the Roman god Ares. He is depicted as a muscular man wearing a lion skin and holding a club.
Zeus-Oromasdes, a composite god who combines the attributes of the Greek god Zeus and the Persian god Oromasdes. He is depicted as a bearded man wearing a crown and holding a lightning bolt.
Apollo-Mithras-Helios-Hermes, a composite god who combines the attributes of the Greek gods Apollo, Mithras, Helios, and Hermes. He is depicted as a young man with a winged helmet and holding a bow and arrow.
Tatev, the goddess of fertility and abundance. She is depicted as a woman wearing a crown and holding a cornucopia.
The statues of the gods are arranged on two terraces on the summit of Mount Nemrut. The statues on the eastern terrace face east, while the statues on the western terrace face west. This is thought to be a symbolic representation of the gods' role in overseeing the rising and setting of the sun.
The statues of the gods are not the only remarkable features of Mount Nemrut. The mountain is also home to a number of other structures, including a tomb complex that is believed to be the burial place of King Antiochus I.
Mount Nemrut is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. The mountain is a unique and fascinating place that offers a glimpse into the ancient world of Commagene.