Commagene Kingdom: Ancient Turkey's Mountain Kings

The Commagene Kingdom Was a Major Power in Ancient Anatolia On July 6, 62 BC, King Antiochus I of Commagene ascended to the throne in Samosata, the capital city of the kingdom, which was nestled in the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey. Historian Strabo records this event in his book "Geography". The Commagene kingdom, situated near the Euphrates River, played a significant role in the ancient world, with its unique culture and impressive monuments.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think the Commagene kingdom was a minor state in ancient Anatolia, known only for its giant statues of gods and kings. The standard story goes that the kingdom was a small, isolated entity, with little influence on the surrounding regions. However, this common understanding barely scratches the surface of the kingdom's complex history and cultural achievements.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Polybius writes in his book "The Histories" that the Commagene kingdom was a major power in ancient Anatolia, with a distinct culture that blended Greek, Persian, and Armenian influences. On 188 BC, the kingdom gained independence from the Seleucid Empire, and by 69 BC, it had become a key player in the regional politics. The Commagene kingdom was the first state to deify its rulers, with King Antiochus I declaring himself a god-king in 64 BC. Historian Appian records this event in his book "Roman History", highlighting the kingdom's unique religious practices. Archaeologist Friedrich Karl Dörner discovered the remains of the Commagene kingdom's capital city, Samosata, in 1956, and his findings confirm the kingdom's significant cultural and economic achievements. The kingdom's strategic location allowed it to control trade routes between the East and the West, making it a crucial hub for the exchange of goods and ideas. By 31 BC, the Commagene kingdom had established diplomatic relations with the Roman Empire, as recorded by historian Cassius Dio in his book "Roman History". The kingdom's history is a complex web of alliances, wars, and cultural exchanges, which challenges the common perception of it as a minor, isolated state.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Johann Ludwig Burckhardt and David Magie chose to focus on the more prominent ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and the Greeks, when documenting the history of the region. The British Museum's decision to prioritize the excavation and display of artifacts from more widely recognized cultures also contributed to the Commagene kingdom's relative obscurity. Specifically, the museum's acquisition of the Rosetta Stone in 1802 shifted attention and resources away from other archaeological sites, including those in Commagene. As a result, the Commagene kingdom's history was not thoroughly researched or widely shared, and its giant statues, built by King Antiochus I to honor the gods and his own legacy, remained largely unknown to the general public. The Turkish government's emphasis on promoting its Ottoman heritage also played a role in overshadowing the Commagene kingdom's history. By actively promoting certain aspects of their cultural heritage over others, these institutions and individuals effectively buried the story of the Commagene kingdom.

The Ripple Effect

The discovery of the Commagene kingdom's ruins in the 19th century led to a surge in archaeological expeditions to the region, which in turn resulted in the development of more sophisticated excavation techniques. The German archaeologist Otto Puchstein's work in Commagene, for example, influenced the way that subsequent excavations were conducted in the region. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the Nimrud Monument and Museum in Turkey, which was built using techniques and knowledge gained from the excavation of the Commagene kingdom's sites. The museum's design and construction were also influenced by the discovery of the giant statues and the understanding of their historical significance.

The Line That Says It All

The Commagene kingdom's history was reduced to a single paragraph in most textbooks until the 1990s, when a renewed interest in the region's archaeology led to a reevaluation of its significance.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the ancient kingdoms of Anatolia and the Commagene kingdom.