Alacahoyuk Alacahöyük is located approximately 45 kilometers from the city of Çorum, and about 17 kilometers from the town of Alaca. It also lies 34 kilometers from Boğazköy and roughly 210 kilometers northeast of Ankara. The site was first brought to light in 1835 by explorer W.C. Hamilton. Since its discovery, Alacahöyük has attracted the attention of archaeologists and scholars worldwide, becoming a focal point of study in Central Anatolia. The ancient settlement of Alacahöyük was continuously inhabited from the Chalcolithic Period onward and features four major cultural layers extending through to the Hittite and Phrygian periods. Each cultural phase contains 15 distinct architectural layers: Chalcolithic Age (4000–3000 BCE), represented by layers 15–9; Early Bronze Age (3000–2000 BCE), found in layers 8–5; Hittite Period (1800–1200 BCE), seen in layers 4–2; and the Phrygian Era, beginning around 750 BCE, identified in the uppermost layer. The earliest settlement was strategically built on elevated ground for protection, with natural defenses provided by hills to the north and shelter to the south. Construction techniques employed stone foundations, sun-dried mud bricks, and reed-covered roofs for insulation and durability. In Alacahöyük, there are thirteen significant royal tombs dating back to the Early Bronze Age, which are followed by cultural layers from the Chalcolithic period, consisting of four main strata. The burial sites associated with layers five and seven are situated within a distinct and specially designated section of the ancient settlement. These tombs are considered archaeologically unique within Anatolia and represent some of the earliest known examples of burial practices in the region. They were constructed exclusively for adult men and women, as no evidence of burials for children or infants has been found. Unlike other tombs found throughout Central Anatolia, the graves at Alacahöyük are consistently aligned in an east–west direction, with a slight southern orientation. The grave goods uncovered from these tombs are incredibly diverse and reflect the wealth and artistry of the time. Offerings include intricately crafted sun disks, figures of deer and bulls, ornamental items, and a variety of weapons and tools such as daggers, swords, and axes. These artifacts were fashioned from a wide range of materials including baked clay, stone, gold, silver, bronze, and copper. During the Old Bronze Age, the architectural style found in Alacahöyük reflected the traditional construction methods native to Anatolia. Structures from this era were built using stone bases, topped with walls of sun-dried mud bricks. The buildings featured flat roofs, earth-covered ceilings, and plastered floors, all of which highlight the use of natural and locally available materials. The Hittite-period remains uncovered at Alacahöyük consist of three separate cultural layers. These form a defensive complex characterized by a circular enclosure approximately 250 meters in diameter, designed with two main gates. One gate is situated at the eastern edge, notable for its sphinx statue, while the other is located at the western side near the base of the tumulus. The eastern gate is flanked by two sphinx sculptures, believed to hold significant religious or symbolic meaning. These mythological creatures are intricately carved, showcasing detailed facial features, robust torsos, and short, powerful legs. Inside the gate, there's also a depiction of a double-headed eagle gripping a rabbit in its claws—a striking symbol of myth and power. The carvings found on both the eastern and western sides of the sphinx gate are executed in low relief, yet enhanced with intricate detailing. The orthostats of the western tower form a continuous frieze, depicting two distinct themes. The lower register illustrates scenes of ritual libations, while the upper register portrays hunting adventures. One notable depiction features the high priest, king, and queen offering prayers in front of a bull during a ceremonial feast dedicated to the storm god, a scene also recorded in Hittite inscriptions. Other panels illustrate various parts of the ritual, showing people in prayer before a goddess. Upon entering through the sphinx-adorned gateway, visitors can turn right and explore the remains of a grand Hittite structure. This complex, referred to as the Mabet-Saray or Temple-Palace, consists of multiple storerooms and ceremonial chambers believed to have served both religious and administrative functions. If you have any questions or need further information about Alacahöyük, feel free to email us at [email protected] or simply reach out to us on WhatsApp. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.