Carchemish: Exploring The Ancient City On The Euphrates

Carchemish also spelled Karkemish Turkish Karkamış was an important ancient capital in northern part of region of Syria. At times during history city was independent but it was also part of Mitanni Hittite and Neo-Assyrian Empires. In Roman times city bore name Europus. Today it is on frontier between Turkey and Syria. It was location of important battle about 605 BC between Babylonians and Egyptians mentioned in Bible Jer 46:2 2 Chron 35:20. Site of Carchemish sits at modern Turkey-Syria border.

Ford, Timber, And The Berlin–Baghdad Line

Carchemish is now extensive set of ruins 90 hectares of which 55 lie in Turkey and 35 in Syria located on West bank of Euphrates River about 60 kilometres southeast of Gaziantep Turkey and 100 kilometres northeast of Aleppo Syria. Site is crossed by Berlin–Baghdad railway that currently forms border between Turkey and Syria. Site includes acropolis along river Inner Town encircled by earthen ramparts and Outer Town most of which is situated in Syrian territory. Turkish military base has been established at site. It occupied strategic crossing of Euphrates River for merchants in Syrian Mesopotamian Anatolian trade part of Mitanni Hittite and Neo-Assyrian Empires. Ancient times city commanded main ford in region across Euphrates situation which must have contributed heavily to its historical and strategic importance. At that time city was trade centre for wood most likely involved in shipping Anatolian timber down Euphrates.

Between 1200 and 700 BCE Carchemish and Zincirli were each urban centre of city-state both located at most strategically significant points along eastwest piedmont highway connecting. City of Carchemish in valley of Euphrates river can be regarded as one of iconic sites in Middle East mound complex known both for own intrinsic qualities as seat of later Hittite power and Neo-Hittite kings but also because history of excavations included well known historical figures such as Leonard Woolley and T. E. Lawrence. Modern neighbouring cities are Karkamış in Turkey and Jarabulus in Syria also Djerablus Jerablus Jarablos Jarâblos.

Site has been occupied since Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods pot burials. In late Early Bronze cist tombs dating to around 2400 BC have been found. City is mentioned in documents found in Ebla archives of 3rd millennium BC. According to documents from archives of Mari and Alalakh dated from c. 1770s-1760s BC and contemporary with king Zimri-Lim of Mari Carchemish was ruled by king Aplahanda followed by son Yatar-Ami and was important center of timber trade. It had treaty relationships with Ugarit and Mitanni also known as Hanilgalbat. Another ruler in that period was Iahdun-Lim. After about 1745 BC reign of Yahdul-Lim not much is further known about Carchemish.

From Suppiluliuma I To The Neo-Hittite Kingdom

Little is known until 1620s when city is mentioned in connection with siege of Urshu Ursha by Hittite king Hattusili I. At that time Carchemish was allied with kingdom of Yamhad centered in Aleppo in supporting Urshu but efforts were unsuccessful and city fell along with many other Syrian cities. Hattusili and successor Mursili I campaigned several years against Yamhad. Also Hantili I conducted campaign to Carchemish to face Hurrians. Egyptian influence Pharaoh Thutmose I Eighteenth Dynasty erected stele near Carchemish to celebrate conquest of Syria and other lands beyond Euphrates. Under Mitanni Empire city was stronghold of Tushratta of Mitanni until siege and conquest by Šuppiluliuma I c. 1345 BC. Later Hittite conqueror Suppiluliumas c. 1375–35 bce established his son as king of city which he used as buffer state against Assyria Mitanni Egypt.

Around end of reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamen Carchemish was captured by king Šuppiluliuma I Hittites 14th century BC who made it into kingdom ruled by son Piyassili. Piyassili Šarri-Kušuḫ followed by son Shakhurunuwa Sahurunuwa about whom relatively little is known. He participated in Battle of Kadesh 1274 BC. He was followed by Ini-Teššub. Viceroyalty of Carchemish Kingdom of Carchemish Karkamiša c. 1321 BC–717 BC Capital Carchemish Common languages Hittite Hieroglyphic Luwian Religion Hittite-Luwian religion Government Monarchy Historical era Bronze Age Iron Age Established c. 1321 BC Disestablished 717 BC Preceded by Mitanni Succeeded by Hittites Neo-Assyrian Empire Today part of Turkey Syria. In mid-13th century BC after fall Mitanni Shalmaneser I visited Carchemish together with Prince Tukulti-Ninurta.

City became one of most important centres in Hittite Empire during Late Bronze Age and reached apogee around 13th century BC. While Hittite empire fell to Sea Peoples during Bronze Age collapse Carchemish survived Sea Peoples attacks to continue to be capital of important Neo-Hittite kingdom in Iron Age and trading center. Although Ramesses III states in inscription dating to his 8th Year from Medinet Habu mortuary temple that Carchemish was destroyed by Sea Peoples city evidently survived onslaught. Two centuries after collapse of Hittite empire Carchemish flourished in so-called Neo-Hittite period 1000–717 B.C.E. independent royal city. This glorious period attested by hieroglyphic Luwian inscriptions from Carchemish and by Assyrian texts testify series at least four kings.

King Kuzi-Teshub Kuzi-Tesup attested in power here son of Talmi-Teshub contemporary of last Hittite king Suppiluliuma II. He and successors ruled mini-empire stretching from Southeast Asia Minor to Northern Syria and West bend of Euphrates under title Mighty King. This suggests Kuzi-Tesub saw himself as true heir of line of Šuppiluliuma I central dynasty at Hattusa now defunct. Powerful polity lasted from c. 1175 to 975 BC when began losing control of farther possessions became gradually more local city state centered around Carchemish. After Kuzi-Teshub some kings such as Tuthaliya I Sapaziti Ura-Tarhunza continued to use title Mighty King in order to advance power interests. House of Suhi Suhi I first known ruler dynasty that followed ruled in early 10th century BC followed by Astuwalamanza. Katuwa son of Suhi II best known ruler dynasty as known in Hieroglyphic Luwian sources reigned around 880 BC. In 9th century BC King Sangara 870-848 BC last member dynasty paid tribute to Kings Ashurnasirpal II and Shalmaneser III Assyria already appeared Balawat Bronze Bands tributary probably sometime before 868 BC. According archaeologist Shigeo Yamada Karkamish may have been known during this period as Sazabê fortified city of Sangara Karkamishean. Still in 2015 name identified Hieroglyphic Luwian for first time local inscription.

Sargon Cylinder, 605 BC, And Modern Excavation

Following this period Karkamish does not appear in Assyrian sources until mid-8th century BC only exception brief mention Samši-Adad V. Mesopotamian King Sargon II envisioned ancient city Karkemish as western Assyrian capital. In fact unlike other Sargon cylinders which contain relatively standard summary inscriptions or annalistic accounts events Sargon reign Karkemish Cylinder provides us with completely new inscription dealing almost exclusively newly conquered. In inscription Sargon tells of betrayal of Pirisi Hittite King of Karkemish who exchanged hostile words about Assyria with its enemy King Midas of Phrygia. Two fragments of clay prismatical cylinders inscribed unique cuneiform text by Sargon intended for display telling how he captured and reorganized city of Karkemish retrieved in 14-m-deep well sealed in 605 BC at time of Late Babylonian takeover. Important battle about 605 BC Babylonians Egyptians Bible site victory Babylonians over Egyptians.

Carchemish has always been well known to scholars because several references to it in Bible Jer 46:2 2 Chr 35:20 Isa 10:9 and in Egyptian Assyrian texts. In 1874 James H. Skene British Consul at Aleppo proposed identification confirmed in 1876 by George Smith. Carchemish had been previously identified incorrectly with Classical city of Circesium at confluence of Khabur River and Euphrates. Between 1878 and 1881 soundings conducted by Consul Patrick Henderson on behalf of British Museum. Between 1911 and 1914 full excavations under D. G. Hogarth. In 1911 field Hogarth himself R. C. Thompson and T. E. Lawrence Lawrence of Arabia from 1912 to 1914 C. L. Woolley and Lawrence while last campaign took place in 1920 with Woolley Philip Langstaffe Ord Guy. Excavations interrupted 1914 by World War I then ended 1920 with Turkish War Independence. These expeditions uncovered substantial remains of Assyrian and Neo-Hittite periods including defensive structures temples palaces numerous basalt statues and reliefs with Luwian hieroglyphic inscriptions. Between 1956 and 1998 whole site mined by Turkish Land Forces. With completion in February 2011 mine clearing operations on Turkish portion archaeological work resumed September 2011 joint Turco-Italian team Universities of Bologna Gaziantep University Istanbul direction Prof Dr Nicolò Marchetti. Second season Aug-Nov 2012 brought several new art findings most remarkable Katuwa Palace c 900 BC east of Processional Entry third season May-Oct 2013 extended exposure retrieving cuneiform tablet exorcism in name of god Marduk as well as ruins of Lawrence excavation house from which literally hundreds of fragments sculptures and hieroglyphic inscriptions retrieved fourth season started May 2014 continued Oct 2014 several orthostats exquisitely carved with procession of gazelle-bearers found some in situ next to courtyard paved with squared slabs Neo-Assyrian period courtyard covered by mosaic floor made of river pebbles forming squares alternating in black and white color Lawrence excavation house completely excavated.

Fifth season April to October 2015 more significant discoveries made in palace area both for Late Hittite sculptures and Neo-Assyrian refurbishments with tens of items including two fragments clay prismatical cylinders retrieved in 14-m-deep well sealed 605 BC at time Late Babylonian takeover. Sixth season May to July 2016 number excavation areas opened also near border due added security represented by construction of wall thus in 2016 complete stratigraphic record obtained also for peripheral areas adding to understanding urban development between LB II and Achaemenid period. Seventh season 7 May to 18 July 2017 major breakthroughs beginning excavations on north-western end acropolis and discovery in eastern Lower Palace area monumental building dating from LB II among finds in addition to new sculpted complete artworks Iron Age fragments of Imperial Hittite clay cuneiform tablets and c 250 inscribed bullae should be mentioned. Eighth season lasted from 4 May to 20 July 2019 revealed massive palace on top acropolis dating from Late Bronze II exposed more architecture and finds from LB II administrative building in area C East which seems to be Hittite E2.KIŠIB and more of Iron I storage facility in area S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is Carchemish Located Today?

Extensive ruins 90 hectares 55 Turkey 35 Syria west bank Euphrates River about 60 km southeast Gaziantep Turkey 100 km northeast Aleppo Syria site crossed Berlin-Baghdad railway currently forms border Turkey Syria includes acropolis along river Inner Town encircled earthen ramparts Outer Town most situated Syrian territory Turkish military base established modern neighbouring cities Karkamış Turkey Jarabulus Syria Djerablus Jerablus Jarablos frontier Turkey Syria Roman name Europus 13 July 2019 archaeological park open guided tours every two hours 9 am one hour before sunset Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Province Italian Ministry Foreign Affairs Sanko Holding Sahinbey Inta.

How Old Is Carchemish From Neolithic To Ebla?

Occupied since Neolithic Chalcolithic pot burials Early Bronze IIIB cist tombs around 2400 BC Early Bronze IVA mentioned documents Ebla archives 3rd millennium BC Middle Bronze IIA archives Mari Alalakh dated c 1770s-1760s BC contemporary Zimri-Lim Mari ruled Aplahanda son Yatar-Ami important center timber trade treaty relationships Ugarit Mitanni Hanilgalbat Iahdun-Lim Yahdul-Lim after 1745 BC not much known commanded main ford region across Euphrates contributed historical strategic importance trade centre wood shipping Anatolian timber down Euphrates.

Who Ruled Carchemish From Mitanni To Hittite Viceroyalty?

At times independent part Mitanni Hittite Neo-Assyrian Empires. Mitanni Empire stronghold Tushratta until siege conquest Suppiluliuma I c 1345 BC 1375-35 bce established son king city buffer state against Assyria Mitanni Egypt. Around end Tutankhamen captured Suppiluliuma I made kingdom ruled son Piyassili Sarri-Kusuh followed son Shakhurunuwa Sahurunuwa participated Battle Kadesh 1274 BC followed Ini-Teshub. Established c 1321 BC disestablished 717 BC Viceroyalty Kingdom Carchemish Karkamiša capital languages Hittite Hieroglyphic Luwian religion Hittite-Luwian monarchy Bronze Age Iron Age preceded Mitanni succeeded Hittites Neo-Assyrian Empire Today part Turkey Syria. Shalmaneser I visited with Prince Tukulti-Ninurta mid-13th century BC after fall Mitanni.

Why Did Carchemish Survive Sea Peoples And Flourish 1000–717 BCE?

City became one most important centres Hittite Empire Late Bronze Age apogee around 13th century BC. While Hittite empire fell Sea Peoples Bronze Age collapse Carchemish survived Sea Peoples attacks continue capital important Neo-Hittite kingdom Iron Age trading center although Ramesses III inscription 8th Year Medinet Habu states destroyed evidently survived. Two centuries after collapse flourished Neo-Hittite period 1000–717 BCE independent royal city glorious period attested hieroglyphic Luwian inscriptions Assyrian texts series at least four kings. King Kuzi-Teshub son Talmi-Teshub contemporary last Hittite king Suppiluliuma II ruled mini-empire Southeast Asia Minor Northern Syria West bend Euphrates title Mighty King true heir line Suppiluliuma I central dynasty Hattusa defunct lasted c 1175-975 BC losing control farther possessions local city state continued Tuthaliya I Sapaziti Ura-Tarhunza Mighty King House of Suhi Suhi I early 10th century BC Astuwalamanza Katuwa son Suhi II best known Hieroglyphic Luwian around 880 BC Katuwa Palace c 900 BC east Processional Entry orthostats gazelle-bearers courtyard squared slabs mosaic river pebbles black white.

How Did Assyria And Babylon End Carchemish And What Was Found?

Sangara 870-848 BC last member dynasty paid tribute Ashurnasirpal II Shalmaneser III Assyria appeared Balawat Bronze Bands tributary before 868 BC known Sazabê fortified city Sangara Karkamishean 2015 name identified Hieroglyphic Luwian local inscription brief mention Samši-Adad V until mid-8th century BC. Sargon II envisioned Karkemish western Assyrian capital Karkemish Cylinder new inscription dealing newly conquered betrayal Pirisi Hittite King Karkemish exchanged hostile words Assyria enemy King Midas Phrygia two fragments clay prismatical cylinders cuneiform text Sargon display telling captured reorganized city retrieved 14-m-deep well sealed 605 BC Late Babylonian takeover. Important battle about 605 BC Babylonians Egyptians Bible Jer 46:2 2 Chron 35:20 Isa 10:9 site victory Babylonians over Egyptians. Known scholars Bible Egyptian Assyrian texts 1874 James H Skene British Consul Aleppo proposed identification confirmed 1876 George Smith incorrectly Circesium confluence Khabur Euphrates 1878-1881 Patrick Henderson British Museum 1911-1914 D G Hogarth R C Thompson T E Lawrence Lawrence of Arabia 1912-1914 C L Woolley 1920 Woolley Philip Langstaffe Ord Guy interrupted 1914 WWI ended 1920 Turkish War Independence uncovered defensive structures temples palaces basalt statues reliefs Luwian hieroglyphic 1956-1998 mined Turkish Land Forces Feb 2011 mine clearing Sep 2011 Turco-Italian Universities Bologna Gaziantep Istanbul Nicolò Marchetti second season Aug-Nov 2012 new art findings third May-Oct 2013 cuneiform tablet exorcism Marduk ruins Lawrence house hundreds fragments fourth May-Oct 2014 fifth Apr-Oct 2015 tens items sixth May-July 2016 stratigraphic record peripheral urban development LB II Achaemenid seventh 7 May-18 July 2017 breakthroughs north-western acropolis eastern Lower Palace monumental LB II fragments Imperial Hittite cuneiform 250 bullae eighth 4 May-20 July 2019 massive palace top acropolis Late Bronze II administrative building C East Hittite E2.KIŠIB Iron I storage area S Land of Carchemish project Outer Town DGAM Damascus Council British Research Levant British Academy T J Wilkinson Peltenburg Syrian side endangered Global Heritage Fund agricultural expansion urban encroachment Jerablus encroached July 2019 protection first degree protected ban activity Feb 2016 prefabricated security wall no foundations south railway Euphrates bridge station Karkamış.

RELATED DISCOVERIES

Carchemish endures because ford endures. From Neolithic pot burials to 2400 BC cist tombs to Ebla archives 3rd millennium to Aplahanda timber trade 1770s BC to Suppiluliuma I buffer state c 1345 BC to Kuzi-Teshub Mighty King 1175-975 BC to Katuwa 880 BC orthostats to Sargon Cylinder well sealed 605 BC to 1874 Skene identification and 1911 Lawrence Woolley excavations to 1956-1998 mines and 2011 clearance to 13 July 2019 park opening, city on west bank Euphrates still controls crossing where Anatolian wood once floated south and where Berlin–Baghdad railway now marks border.