The Cendere Bridge is a historic Roman bridge located on the Cendere Stream (known as the Chabinas River in ancient times), 20 kilometers from the Kahta district of Adıyaman and 55 kilometers from the city center of Adıyaman. Also known as the Roman Bridge or Septimus Severus Bridge, it is one of 82 Roman-era bridges in Turkey and stands out as the best-preserved bridge in the Commagene region. The bridge is situated approximately 10 kilometers after passing the Karakuş Tumulus on the road from Kahta to Mount Nemrut, at the Sincik-Kocahisar road junction. The bridge, which connects the two sides of a magnificent canyon, takes its name from this feature.
Cendere Bridge (Cultural Portal)
History and Construction
The Cendere Bridge was built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimus Severus (AD 193-211) by the 16th Roman Legion Flavia Firma, which had its headquarters in Samsat (ancient Somasata). The construction of the bridge was carried out between AD 198-200 by Marius Perpetuus under the command of the legion's general, Alfenius Senecio. A tablet on the bridge mentions that the structure was rebuilt on the foundations of an older bridge. The construction costs were covered by the cities of Somasata, Doliche, Perre, and Germanikeia in the Commagene region.
The bridge was built in the names of Septimus Severus, his wife Julia Domna, and their sons Caracalla and Geta. Initially, there were four Corinthian columns at both entrances of the bridge: to the south, columns were dedicated to Septimus Severus and Julia Domna, and to the north, columns were erected in the names of Caracalla and Geta. However, after the death of Septimus Severus, his son Caracalla ascended to the throne, killed his brother Geta, and ordered the destruction of all monuments made in Geta’s name. As a result, the columns dedicated to Geta were removed, and his name was erased from the tablet on the bridge. Today, only three columns remain standing on the bridge.
Cendere Bridge (Cultural Portal)
Architectural Features
The Cendere Bridge is 120 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 30 meters high. The bridge consists of two arches: one main arch and one drainage arch, and it is constructed with 92 large cut stones. The span of the main arch is 32.20 meters, making the bridge one of the most robust Roman-era structures in Turkey. The most remarkable architectural feature of the bridge is that it was built without mortar, with precisely cut stones weighing tons stacked on top of each other. The bridge rises in a ramp-like shape on both sides and converges in the middle, achieving both static stability and a monumental appearance. The columns at the entrances and exits, which are 9-10 meters high, are adorned with Corinthian capitals.
Inscriptions
The Latin inscriptions on the columns and tablet of the bridge explain who the bridge was built in honor of and its construction process:
- Septimus Severus Column: "Emperor Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pius Pertinax, Arabicus, Adiabenicus, Parthicus, the most merciful ruler, the highest priest, the bearer of imperial power for 12 times, emperor eight times, consul twice, provincial governor, the great and beneficent emperor of the four cities of Commagene."
- Julia Domna Column: "Julia Domna Augusta, mother of the four cities of Commagene and the military settlement."
- Caracalla Column: "Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, son of the emperor, provincial governor and three-time emperor, from the four cities of Commagene."
- Tablet Inscription: The tablet mentions that the bridge was rebuilt on the foundations of the older bridge on the Chabinas River and was constructed by Alfenius Senecio and Marius Perpetuus. Although Geta’s name was erased, it is understood that he was also mentioned in the original text.
Restoration and Present Day
Since its construction, the Cendere Bridge has undergone various repairs during the Roman period. The bridge, which has stood for 1,800 years, was restored by the General Directorate of Highways in 1997-1998. Until 2004, the bridge was open to all vehicle traffic. In 2005, with the opening of a new highway bridge on the eastern side, the Cendere Bridge was closed to vehicle traffic. Since 2007, all traffic has been redirected to the new bridge. Today, the Cendere Bridge attracts tourists as a monumental example of Ancient Roman architecture.
The Cendere Bridge, with its architectural features and historical significance, remains one of the most valuable structures in the Commagene region and continues to stand as a testament to the durability of Roman engineering.
