Historical Capitals of the World

Kültepe

Country: Turkey

Region: Middle East

Period: 20th-18th c.BCE

Location: 38.85°N, 35.633333°E

Description

Kanesh was an ancient city of the Kingdom of Tabal, located in modern-day Turkey, near the town of Kızılkaya in the Nizip District. It was a major trading hub during the 2nd millennium BCE, particularly for merchants from the Assyrian Empire. The city's ruins reveal a rich history tied to the region's complex political and economic systems.

Modern Remains

The site of Kanesh (modern Kültepe) features extensive archaeological ruins, including remains of Assyrian trading colonies, cuneiform tablets, and remnants of city walls and buildings. Excavations have revealed a wealth of information about trade, social structures, and early writing in the ancient world. Many of the findings are housed in the nearby Kültepe Museum.

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