Altıntepe Castle (Erzincan)

Erzincan city center is approximately 15 to 16 kilometers away, atop a hill rising from the plain, lies an ancient city: Altıntepe. This city was founded exactly 2800 years ago (8th century BCE) by the Urartians, one of the most powerful states in the region at that time.^【1】

Visual representation of Altıntepe Castle (generated by artificial intelligence)

What Was Found in the Castle?

Altıntepe was not an ordinary village but a fortified citadel surrounded by strong walls, where rulers resided. Among the most important structures discovered by archaeologists inside the castle are:

• Temple of Haldi: A square-shaped, tower-like temple built in honor of Haldi, the chief deity of the Urartians.
• Palace and Audience Hall: Rooms where rulers lived and a large hall (apadana) with massive columns where guests were received.
• Storage Buildings: Warehouses containing large storage jars (pitos) for food.

An Amazing Engineering Feat: The First Toilets

One of Altıntepe’s most remarkable features is its sewer system, built thousands of years ago. The Urartians placed great importance on cleanliness; they installed stone water channels, bathing areas, and toilet stones resembling modern flush toilets in their palace. This is considered one of the earliest examples of a sewer system in history.

Underground Tombs and Treasures

On the southern slope of the hill lie underground tombs built for the castle’s rulers. Archaeologists uncovered garments adorned with gold buttons, silver bowls, small statues made of ivory, shields, and helmets in these tombs. These valuable artifacts are now on display at the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Colorful Animal Mosaics

Much later, during a period long after the Urartian era, a church was built in this region. Its most distinctive feature is its floor covered with colorful mosaics depicting animals such as deer, bulls, and panthers.