Located in Central Anatolia, this ancient city offers a rare window into the Hittite civilization, one of the most powerful empires of the ancient Near East.
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A Cradle of Civilization
Alacahöyük is one of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites, dating back over 5,000 years. It was a major religious and political center of the Hattians before becoming a key city of the Hittite Empire around 1600 BCE.
For thousands of years, civilizations have risen and fallen across Anatolia, leaving behind stories carved in stone. While sites like Ephesus and Göbekli Tepe are well known, Alacahöyük remains an overlooked yet profoundly significant neolithic treasure.
Unlike many other ancient sites in Turkey, which primarily reflect Greek and Roman influence, Alacahöyük provides a rare glimpse into the pre-Classical era. Here, we see the advanced engineering, religious practices, and artistic mastery of Anatolia’s earliest civilizations, laying the foundations for those who came later.
Today, it remains a sacred site for archaeologists and historians, offering unparalleled insight into the people who shaped early Anatolia.
The Four Layers of Alacahöyük
One of the most fascinating aspects of Alacahöyük is its multi-layered history, revealing different civilizations that occupied the site over thousands of years. Archaeologists have identified four main cultural layers, each representing a different era:
Phrygian and Iron Age (8th Century BCE – Roman Period)
The story of Alacahöyük doesn’t end with its famous Early Bronze Age “royal tombs” or Hittite gates – the mound also carries a clear Iron Age (especially Phrygian) layer. On top of the earlier levels, archaeologists have identified a settlement dated roughly from the Early to Late Iron Age, with the most visible architectural remains belonging to the Late Iron Age / Phrygian period, after about the mid-7th century BCE. These layers reveal modest houses and domestic structures spread across the mound, showing that Alacahöyük remained a lived-in, organized community long after the collapse of the Hittite Empire.
Among the most important Iron Age finds are Phrygian inscriptions discovered on stone blocks, reliefs and altars. These inscriptions, written in the Old Phrygian alphabet, place Alacahöyük firmly within the cultural and political orbit of Phrygian Anatolia. They demonstrate that the site was not just passively occupied but actively integrated into the wider Iron Age world of central Anatolia, where local traditions mingled with broader Phrygian cultural influences.
In addition to inscriptions and architecture, excavations have produced a substantial Iron Age material assemblage: everyday ceramics, painted Phrygian-style pottery with geometric and sometimes animal motifs, as well as metal objects and tools. Together, these finds show a community that maintained craft traditions and regional connections, reusing and reinterpreting a landscape already layered with Hatti and Hittite monuments. For anyone interested in continuity and change in central Anatolia, Alacahöyük’s Iron Age levels offer a crucial bridge between the Bronze Age kingdoms and the new powers that shaped the first millennium BCE.
- The uppermost layer contains remnants from the Phrygians and later civilizations, including small structures and ceramics.
- While this period is less significant compared to earlier layers, it shows how the site continued to be inhabited even after the fall of the Hittites.
Hittite Empire (1650–1200 BCE): The Golden Age of Alacahöyük
- This is the most impressive and well-preserved layer, dating to the height of the Hittite civilization.
- The most iconic structures from this period include:
- The Lion Gate – Two colossal stone lions guard the city entrance, symbolizing strength and protection.
- The Sphinx Gate – A masterpiece of Hittite art, depicting mythical creatures that highlight the civilization’s religious depth.
- The Great Temple – A vast sacred complex where the Hittites worshipped their gods, including the storm god Teshub.
- Intricate reliefs on stone walls depict religious rituals, war scenes, and mythological symbols.
Early Bronze Age (2500–2000 BCE): The Hattian Civilization
- Before the Hittites, the Hattians ruled Anatolia, and Alacahöyük was one of their major religious centers.
- This period is known for:
- Royal Tombs: The most famous discovery at Alacahöyük, featuring elaborate gold and silver jewelry, ceremonial weapons, and intricate bronze standards shaped like deer and bulls.
- Advanced metallurgy: The Hattians were pioneers in bronze-working, creating some of the most exquisite artifacts ever found in Anatolia.
A Glimpse into the Afterlife
One of the most astonishing discoveries in Alacahöyük is the Royal Tombs, unearthed in the 1930s by Turkish archaeologists led by Remzi Oğuz Arık. These tombs, dating back 4,500 years, contained:
- Gold and silver jewelry of extraordinary craftsmanship.
- Bronze standards, intricate metal objects used in religious ceremonies.
- Weapons and tools, showing the technological prowess of the era.
The artifacts from these tombs are now displayed in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, offering a breathtaking look into the burial customs and beliefs of early Anatolian societies.
Alacahöyük vs. Hattuşa: Which Hittite City Should You Visit?
Many travelers visiting Central Anatolia head straight to Hattuşa, the capital of the Hittite Empire. While Hattuşa is larger and holds official recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alacahöyük is just as fascinating, offering:
- More well-preserved reliefs and sculptures, giving a clearer picture of Hittite art and culture.
- Less crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience with history.
- Easier access, as it is closer to Çorum and Ankara compared to Hattuşa.
For those truly interested in Hittite civilization, the best option is to visit both sites, as they complement each other beautifully.
Visiting Alacahöyük
A visit to Alacahöyük is more than just a stop at an archaeological site—it’s a journey deep into Anatolia’s ancient past. Unlike the crowded ruins of Ephesus or Troy, Alacahöyük offers a more intimate and immersive experience, where you can walk through millennia-old gates, admire intricate reliefs, and truly feel the presence of the Hittites. Whether you’re an archaeology enthusiast or a curious traveler, planning your visit properly will ensure you get the most out of this hidden gem of Turkey.
How to Get There
- By Car: Alacahöyük is located 45 km from Çorum and 160 km from Ankara. Renting a car is the most convenient way to visit, allowing flexibility to explore nearby attractions like Hattuşa and Yazılıkaya.
- By Public Transport: Buses from Çorum or Boğazkale (near Hattuşa) can take you close to the site, but a taxi or local transport may be needed for the final stretch.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) offer the best weather, with mild temperatures and a pleasant atmosphere for exploring the ruins.
- Summer can be hot and dry, making midday visits less comfortable.
- Winter may bring snow, covering the ruins in a surreal, dramatic blanket—perfect for photography but requiring extra preparation for cold weather.
Nearby Attractions
A trip to Alacahöyük can be combined with other historical sites to make your journey even more enriching:
- Hattuşa: The former capital of the Hittite Empire, featuring a vast archaeological complex with monumental gates, royal residences, and temples.
- Yazılıkaya: A Hittite rock sanctuary, adorned with some of the best-preserved Hittite religious carvings in the world.
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (Ankara): Home to many artifacts from Alacahöyük, including golden jewelry, bronze ceremonial standards, and intricate reliefs.
If you’re fascinated by the Hittites and ancient Anatolian history, a visit to Alacahöyük is just the beginning—this region is a living museum waiting to be explored.
Contact for Guided Tours
While places like Ephesus and Troy attract millions of tourists, Alacahöyük remains an overlooked gem of our common human story and especially its neolithic chapter. It tells the story of Anatolia before the Greeks and Romans, offering a rare chance to step into the world of the Hittites and Hattians.
For history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and curious travelers, Alacahöyük is a must-visit. It’s a place where you can walk through 5,000 years of history, admire ancient craftsmanship, and feel the presence of civilizations long gone but never forgotten.
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This place is very interesting indeed. i heard about the hittites before but never really dug deep into it. maybe i can incorporate some places in my itinerary that’s in the works for this summer. do you guys have a guide who can accompany me from Istanbul to these areas? Thanks in advance!
Hey Justin. Yes, Ömer Çelik, our guide is with me right now and he says he would love to be your personal guide on this lovely trip in to the Hittite world. We will send you a detailed email now.