Ankara

The rectangular basalt block was first published in 1927 after it was noticed in Ankara Citadel among other archaeological artifacts. Its provenance is unknown, but a Karkamış origin has been suspected. It appears to be the middle section of a monument that originally had inscriptions on all four sides. The preserved part is roughly 0.35 m high, 0.45 m wide, and 0.33 m thick. Three lines of an incised Hieroglyphic Luwian inscription that surrounds the block are visible on three sides. The fourth side is entirely damaged. Preserved text is a typical curse formula that threatens those who may damage the inscription with the wrath of gods. On account of its paleography, a date in the mid-8th century BCE has been suggested. The block is in the Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara, but not on display.


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