Ancient tomb of Commagene King Mithridates II draws attention in southeastern Türkiye  

Visits by the travelers and history enthusiasts highlight the tomb’s dual appeal as an archaeological marvel and a scenic destination

ADIYAMAN, Türkiye (MNTV) – Located in the rugged terrain of Türkiye’s Adıyaman province,  the 2,060-year-old tomb of King Mithridates II of the Kingdom of Commagene has become a tourist site.

The tomb continues to captivate historians and adventurers alike with its remote setting and distinctive rock-cut architecture, according to Daily Sabah.  

Known as the Dikilitaş (Sesönk) Tumulus, the tomb is perched atop a steep hill in the rural village of Dikilitaş and has been under state protection since 1990. 

Unlike typical burial mounds, the site features a unique design—carved directly into bedrock, with a staircase leading to the burial chamber. 

Accessible only via a challenging 40-minute uphill hike, the tomb remains one of the region’s lesser-known but historically significant treasures.  

Mehmet Alkan, Director of the Adıyaman Museum, explained that King Mithridates II (r. 36–21 B.C.), son of Antiochos I—the ruler behind the famed Mount Nemrut sanctuary—commissioned the tomb for himself after constructing the nearby Karakuş Tumulus for his mother and sister. 

“This site embodies the distinctive architectural style of the Commagene Kingdom,” Alkan noted, comparing its importance to the UNESCO-listed Mount Nemrut.  

The tomb’s remote mountainous location has long hindered research and tourism efforts. “The lack of road access has limited both scholarly study and public awareness,” Alkan said. 

He emphasized that the strenuous hike deters casual visitors. Despite these challenges, the site remains a protected part of Türkiye’s cultural heritage inventory.  

“For those willing to make the journey, it offers a rare glimpse into Commagene’s royal legacy,” he said.