Main Page

Hisarcık Inscriptions

The rock inscription is written on the naturally smooth surface of a rock at the location known as Toptepesi near Hisarcik village, about 10 km south of the city of Kayseri. Most of the two-line hieroglyphic luwian inscription is not in good shape. It is probably about an offering to Mount Harhara (Hittite name for Mt. Erciyes).
Another inscription was also found in Hisarcık is now in Ancient Oriental Museum in Istanbul. The basalt block about 60cm by 60cm has a 3 line hieroglyphic luwian inscription on one face. Inscription mentions offering of gazelles to Mount Harhara. The name Kurtis is mentioned at the end which may be the same person as in Bahçeköy. Thus it is suggested that the rock inscription and the block may be dated to end of 8th cent BCE.



Click on pictures for a larger image.

J.D.Hawkins J.D.Hawkins
J.D.Hawkins J.D.Hawkins



Image sources:
J.David Hawkins, Corpus of Hieroglyphic Luwian Inscriptions. 2000.