Explore Ancient Anatolia

Banquet Stele at Istanbul Archaeology Museum

Ancient stele in Istanbul Archaeology Museum : Athena to the left is attacking two giants who try to flee, which is a bit difficult with their serpent's legs. Both wear lion pelts, the one to the right tries to protect himself with it. Roman, 2nd century BC from Aphrodisias . Gigantomachy was the symbolic struggle between the cosmic order of the Olympians led by Zeus and the nether forces of Chaos led by the giant Alcyoneus in Greek mythology. Heracles fought on the side of Olympians, who defeated the Giants in accordance with Hera's prophecy that the gods' victory would not be accomplished without the participation of the son of a mortal mother.

Sarcophagus of Tabnit, King of Sidon, at Istanbul Archaeology Museum :

Scene on Alexander Sarcophagus at Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

Alexander Sarcophagus, War Scene Detail: Detail of Alexander Sarcophagus at Istanbul Archaeology Museum: The carvings on one short end depicts a battle, perhaps the Battle of Gaza, in which case the pediment above that end would be showing the murder of Perdiccas. Color reconstruction of one of the short sides of the Sarcophagus:

The Battle of Centaurs and Lapiths The Lycian tomb describing the Battle of Centaurs and Lapiths discovered in the Necropolis of Sidon, among important finds such as the Alexander Sarcophagus, and the Sarcophagus of the Crying Women, which are now on display at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum in Istanbul. This sarcophagus called Lycian sarcophagus due to its resemblance to the sarcophagi of Lycian region, which is the artwork of an ancient Lycian sculptor.

Reusing of older building material in ancient structures. Ankara Castle wall.