Where gods and kings turn to stone

[Judi Lynn]

Where gods and kings turn to stone

Massive statues of gods, kings and creatures stare down visitors to this little-known Unesco site in southeastern Turkey.

By Joseph Flaherty
9 August 2016



Silent Guardians

Massive statues of gods, kings and creatures stare down supplicants who travel to this tomb and Unesco World Heritage site. During the 1st Century BC, King Antiochus I ruled over a small kingdom called Commagene in what is today Turkey’s Adiyaman Province. When he died in approximately 34 BC, he was buried under a colossal mound of stones atop the windy peak of Mount Nemrut , which overlooks the upper Euphrates River. (Credit: Joseph Flaherty)



Resting among the gods

According to inscriptions left behind before he died, Antiochus said he wanted to be buried in a high, isolated and holy place. By all accounts he succeeded: he built his own pantheon on this Olympian summit and entombed himself among the gods. Today, heads and rubble are all that remain of the giant stone statues that decorated the western terrace. (Credit: Joseph Flaherty)

More:
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20160627-the-easter-island-of-southeast-turkey

[packman]

1. Reminds me of the poem Ozymethius

"...And on the pedestal these words appear:
'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away"

[cstanleytech]

2. Reminds me of lawn gnomes. nt

[Judi Lynn]

3. Probably not as playful, and merry! They look a little crabby. n/t

[cstanleytech]

4. Maybe they need a little fiber?