Arsameia

Arsameia on the Nymphaios was a residence and cult centre of the Commagene kings, built up by Mithridates I and his son Antiochus I - the same Antiochus who raised the statues on Nemrut - and the site climbs a hillside above a stream in a series of terraces. The path up passes several reliefs, of which the best preserved is a large stele showing Mithridates I clasping hands with Heracles, the dexiosis gesture that appears throughout Commagene art as a claim of kinship between the dynasty and the gods. Beside it a long inscription in Greek, one of the longest known from Anatolia, sets out Antiochus's instructions for the cult and the festivals. A tunnel cut into the rock descends steeply from near the reliefs - its purpose is debated, with a cult function and a water source both proposed - and higher up are the foundations of the palace with fragments of mosaic. It is on the standard Nemrut circuit.

What you actually see

• The Heracles relief - Mithridates clasping the god's hand.
• The Greek inscription - Antiochus's cult instructions.
• The rock tunnel - the steep cut passage into the hill.
• The terraces - palace foundations up the slope.

When to go

April to June and September to October. Mornings; the hillside is exposed and the region is severe in summer.

Honest expectations

The climb is steep on a rough path with no shade. The tunnel is dark, slippery and steep - not to be entered without a light and care. Interpretation is minimal.

Nearby

Cendere bridge and Karakuş tumulus are on the same road; Nemrut Dağı is above.