Karakus Tumulus Situated in the Kahta District of Adıyaman Province in Eastern Turkey, the Karakuş Tumulus is a burial monument commissioned by Mithridates II of Commagene in 31 BC to honor his mother Isias, sister Antiochis, and niece Aka I. Though smaller than Mount Nemrut, this artificial mound shares a similar architectural style and highlights the significant role of women in the Commagene Royal Family during that era. The Karakuş Tumulus is encircled by three clusters of limestone Doric columns. The northern set is positioned closest to the mound, while the other two groups lie to the west and east. Each column measures approximately 9 meters in height and is topped with a stela, relief carving, and statues of a bull, lion, or eagle. These columns stand on square plinths, supported by foundations composed of six limestone blocks crowned with a Doric capital. The repeated references to Isias, Antiochis, and Aka I on the stelae underscore their prominence within the royal family. On the south side of the Karakuş Tumulus, only a single column remains, made up of seven drums and crowned by a 2.54-meter-tall statue of an eagle, which inspired the monument’s name (karakuş translates to "black bird" in Turkish). Of the three columns located on the northeast side, just two are still standing; one shows remnants of a relief, while the other has lost the head of its bull statue. The central column, slightly taller than the others, bears a Greek inscription commissioned by King Mithridates II, stating: "This hierothesion was built by King Mithridates for his mother Isias, sister Antiochis, and niece Aka, women he honored with praise. Alongside Isias lies Antiochis, the king’s sister and daughter of their mother, renowned for her beauty and brief yet honorable life. Also buried here is Aka, daughter of Antiochis and granddaughter of the king. This inscription commemorates these three important figures and calls on visitors to respect their memory and legacy." The final group of sculptures on the northwest side of the Karakuş Tumulus retains only one column featuring a dexiosis relief, illustrating King Mithridates II and his sister Laodice exchanging a farewell handshake. Nearby stand two additional statues representing their respective cultures: Laodice is depicted wearing a head veil, while Mithridates holds his tiara, symbolizing his dominion over Asia. A lion head sculpture, which was once part of this group, lies broken on the ground close by. The burial chamber that was once concealed beneath the tumulus’s stone blocks was unfortunately looted in history. Many of its stones were later repurposed extensively in the construction of the Cendere Bridge. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message on Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.