Sirkeli Höyük and its Environment
Monuments
Due to its strategic and political importance two Hittite rock reliefs are found at the site. The better preserved rock relief shows the Hittite King Muwatalli II (ca. 1290–1272 BC) and is thus the oldest Hittite rock relief known so far.
Topographical Map of Sirkeli Höyük.
Close to this relief another Hittite rock relief was found which was chiseled out in Antiquity. This second relief is commonly thought to be a depiction of Muwatalli's son Kurunta (= Ulmi-Teššup).
The Location of the Rock Reliefs and the Stone Building.
But it is more likely to show his brother Muršili III (= Urhi-Teššup, ca. 1272–1265 BC) who was dethroned by Hattušili II.
On the upside of the rock, just above the reliefs, various shallow pits or basins are found which apparently are to be connected with the reliefs and were used for libations in the course of cultic activities.
Rock Relief of Muwatalli.
These pits were part of a larger cultic installation which also included a building to the west of the rock reliefs. This ensemble is thought to be a cultic installation for the Hittite King (see First results of the excavations in 2006).
Remains of the Stone Building.
In the west of the settlement there is a cemetery obviously dating to Hellenistic times. Some of the tombs are still visible at the surface today.
View from the Necropolis towards Sirkeli Höyük (left) and entrance to a Rock Tomb (right).
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Archaeological finds.