Circular structure: mysterious discovery in Turkey
An international team of archaeologists has unearthed a mysterious circular construction from the Hittite era. It could be the ancient holy city of Zippalanda.
A team of international archaeologists has discovered a mysterious circular construction from the Hittite era in North-Central Turkey, the archaeological site of Uşaklı Höyük. The find could be the ancient holy city of Zippalanda.
The interpretation of this circular structure is very difficult at the moment and an extension of the works will be necessary to get an idea of what is around it. However, its location to the north of what is probably the main temple of the city, not far from the river that flows near the base of the battlements, leads us to favor an interpretation of this find in a ritual key, the importance of which is also given by the fact that similar ones are not documented in other contemporary sites. If so, this structure, together with the other finds discovered over the years, would help to strengthen the identification of Uşaklı with the important Hittite city of Zippalanda, a cult center of a powerful Storm God, the site of a shrine and royal residence, and mentioned in several festivals attended by the king.
Anacleto D’Agostino of the University of Pisa, professor who directs the excavations
This find brought to light important information about the Hittites people, those who formed the great kingdom of Hatti. The project operates under a ten-year concession from the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. It also has financial support from the University of Pisa.
