Toprakkale (castle)

38.52055555555643.403888888889Koordinaten: 38 ° 31 ' 14 " N, 43 ° 24' 14" E

Toprakkale ( dt: Earth Fort ) is a settlement mound in the southeast of Turkey today. It is located near the city of Van. In the 7th century BC, the Urartian king Rusa II the fortress Rusahinili founded here ( Rusas ' city). She was a royal residence.

Excavations

Excavations in Toprakkale conducted by Russian, British, German and Turkish archaeologists since 1875:

Besides, many artifacts of bronze, gold, silver and ivory were found. Important findings are a bronze candlestick with a height of 136 cm, consecration shields and reliefs. An altar to the god Haldi is now in Istanbul. Other finds are exhibited in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara.

Finds from Van in 1887 bought up by the Middle East Museum in Berlin. The latest datable finds from Toprakkale, ordained shields of bronze, bear inscriptions of Rusa (son of Erimena ), an Urartian king of the late period, its chronological position is not secured.

Shields

  • BM 116735
  • BM 135733
  • BM 135 734
  • BM 135735 ( handle)
  • BM 135448, with consecration inscription Rusas at Haldi
Toprakkale (Osmaniye) Rusa II. Hormuzd Rassam Joseph Orbeli Nicholas Marr British Museum
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