Message from 2100 years ago: “Be extremely obedient and law-abiding”

The translation process of the 2100-year-old inscription found in the ancient city of Perre in Adıyaman continues. The message “Obey and respect the law to the utmost” read on the inscription drew attention.

The ancient city of Perre is located in the central Örenli (Pirin) neighborhood of Adıyaman province in the southeast of today’s Turkey. The city was founded by the Commagene Kingdom in the 3rd century BC and used as the capital. It is one of the five great ancient cities of the Commagene Kingdom. It is a stopover between the capital Samosata and Melitene (Malatya).

Prof. Dr. Margherita Facella from the University of Pisa and Dr. Charles Crowther from Oxford University, who examined the inscription, gave information to journalists about the work that lasted about a week.

Stating that the inscription is important, Facella said, “It is an inscription that will shed light on the history of humanity and Commagene, and we are examining it. We want to provide support and contribution in this regard. We are very pleased to be here. In the inscriptions, Commagene King l. Antiochos especially gave statements to the people. Here he especially says ‘obey and respect the laws’. Already on the back of the inscriptions. Antiochos and Mithridates I relief. Our work continues, we will give much more detailed information in the future.”

On September 26, 2023, villagers who saw a relief sculpture near Kımıldağı in Onevler village of Gerger district reported it to the Adıyaman Museum Directorate, and the teams investigated and determined that the area was a cult (sacred area).

The teams found a relief with a handshake scene and steles with inscriptions in the area. Due to the steep rocky nature of the area, the artifacts were carried to the ancient city of Perre by military helicopter with the help of ropes.

Cover Photo: AA