Urartian Kef Castle Findings Reveal 2,700-year-old History

Recent archaeological excavations at Kef Castle, an ancient Urartian fortress perched at 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) above sea level in the Adilcevaz district of Bitlis, Turkey, have yielded a remarkable array of findings. Led by Associate Professor Dr. İsmail Coşkun of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, the team unearthed artifacts that offer new insights into the Urartian civilization, which thrived over 2,700 years ago.

A Fortress in the Skies

Kef Castle, built by King Rusa II of Urartu, is situated on the slopes of Mount Süphan, offering commanding views of the Adilcevaz region, the Malazgirt Plain, and Lake Van. The castle is a testament to the strategic and architectural ingenuity of the Urartians, who controlled a vast kingdom in what is now eastern Turkey during the first millennium BC. The fortress is noted for its extensive use of basalt, a volcanic rock abundant in the region, making it unique among Urartian castles.

“This is the only castle from the Urartian period where so much basalt was used,” Dr. Coşkun explained as reported in the Anadolu Agency report. The fortress’s location and the materials used in its construction suggest that it was built not only for defense but also as a symbol of the Urartian king’s power and the empire’s resilience in this rugged landscape.

A lot of basalt stone was used in the construction of the Urartian castle. (AA)

Unearthing the Urartian Past

This year’s excavations focused on the upper hall of the castle, an area previously known for yielding significant artifacts. The team, consisting of 20 archaeologists and specialists, uncovered a variety of objects including flint and obsidian tools, ceramics, and numerous animal bones. Three stone structures referred to as ‘elephant feet’ have also been uncovered.

These findings, alongside the numerous animal bones and grinding stones found in what appears to be a kitchen area, hint at the castle’s role in hosting large-scale feasts or sacrifices, possibly as part of religious or royal ceremonies.

The site has also yielded fragments of Urartian blue paint and palace ceramics, adding to the evidence of the sophisticated artistic and cultural practices of the Urartian elite. The use of flint and obsidian tools, typical of the era, underscores the daily activities that took place within the fortress, from food preparation to crafting.

Coşkun said:

“We frequently come across Urartian blue paints and palace ceramics used by the Urartians. We came across grinding stones and many animal bones in the kitchen section. An animal slaughter or sacrifice ceremony may have been held here. Flint and obsidian tools and many ceramic pieces are also being unearthed.”

Ariel view of the Kef Castle site (IHA)

The Aftermath of a Great Fire

As the team excavated further, they encountered a layer of ash approximately 60 to 70 centimeters (24 to 28 inches) thick, indicating that the castle was ravaged by a massive fire. “It is estimated that there was a big fire in the castle that lasted for days,” Dr. Coşkun noted. This discovery adds a dramatic chapter to the history of Kef Castle, suggesting a catastrophic event that may have led to its eventual abandonment.

Despite the challenging conditions of excavating at such a high altitude, the team is committed to preserving and revitalizing the site. Dr. Coşkun highlighted plans to restore the collapsed elephant feet, aiming to enhance the castle’s appeal to tourists and ensure that these significant findings are accessible to the public.

A Glimpse into Urartian Life

The ongoing excavations at Kef Castle continue to shed light on the Urartian civilization, offering glimpses into the daily lives, rituals, and eventual downfall of its inhabitants.

As restoration efforts progress, Kef Castle is set to become an even more significant archaeological site, drawing visitors eager to explore the remnants of a once-great civilization that dominated this rugged landscape.

Top image: The Kef Castle site, where fresh finds have recently been made.     Source: IHA

By Gary Manners