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Zerzevan Castle and Mithraeum

摘要: Justification of Outstanding Universal Value  Archaeological studies in Zerzevan Castle play a very important role in understanding the Roman period of the region where two major cultures are in inter

Justification of Outstanding Universal Value

  Archaeological studies in Zerzevan Castle play a very important role in understanding the Roman period of the region where two major cultures are in interaction with each other. Furthermore, Zerzevan Castle is one of the best-preserved Roman garrison in the world with its underground and surface structures. The only Mithras Temple of the eastern Roman borders that was recently found is located here. The discovery of the Mithras temple in Zerzevan Castle has aroused great interest both national and international level. Considering that the belief in Mithras originates from the Persian country, it is quite possible that Mithraeum in the Zerzevan Castle is the first temple of the Mithras religion.

  

  Criterion (iii): Recently found Mithras Temple within the Castle is a unique testimony of Rome's mysterious Mithras religion. Mithraeum in Zerzevan Castle is one of the best-preserved temples of the Mithras cult in the world. The Persian originated Mithra cult was first brought to the Roman empire by Roman soldiers after the expeditions to the east and become quite widespread in the Roman Empire at 2-3rd centuries AD.  Although the cult of Mithras is found in all the regions dominated by Rome, Mithraeum in Zerzevan Castle is the only temple on the eastern border of Rome and dates back 2-3rd century AD.  Therefore, it should be one of the oldest temples of this mysterious faith. Some religious symbols are seen in the Mithraeum.

  The Mithraeum in Zerzevan Castle exhibits an exceptional testimony to the mysterious faith of Mithras and its secret rituals with 4 sacrifice hangers, the pool of bull blood and the related 3 functional niches on the right-side wall.

  Criterion (iv): The Castra had an important place in Roman defense architecture. These Roman garrisons have square or rectangular structures within geometrical plans, streets in settled lines suitable for terrain and settlements. Zerzevan Castle and its military settlement as a castrum is one of the best-preserved Roman garrisons in the world with its underground and aboveground structures. The military settlement has been built on a rocky hill at the height of 124 m.  The remains and city walls of the settlement area spread over a large area of approximately 60 acres. It reflects all the features and technological developments of the Pagan and Christian Roman architectural structures and artefacts. The observation and defense tower, which has a height of 19 meters wall standing on city wall, are unique with its architectural structure. The military settlement is also unique with its underground shelter where 400 people can accommodate and there are many such buildings in the settlement. Hidden passage, discovered and closed again in 6th century AD, is noteworthy with its architecture. There are 54 underground water cisterns and 800 meters long canal outside the walls which provide water to the settlement.

  Criterion (vi):  The military settlement represents transition from secret belief of Mithras to Christian worship. The god Mithras, of Persian origin, is the god of concepts of “agreement and friendship”, which means “mediating”. Mithras is the god of the sun and the cult is based on worshipping the sun. It is also the symbol of light, war, justice and faith. It became rather common in the Roman Empire in the 2-3rd centuries AD. In the 4th century AD, it lost its significance with the spread of Christianity. The religion of Mithras was quite common especially among the soldiers in all the lands where the Roman rule was dominant. Its teaching is about the creation of the world and is also known as the god who controls the universe. The religious ceremonies were secret and closed to the outside. The members of this religion to which only men are accepted had to go through seven stages and twelve persecutions. The ceremonies were held underground in caves and temples.

  Along with Mithraeum, an underground church in the military garrison which is converted from rock tomb is also remarkable with its inscriptions on the walls. The other church, which was built in the 6th century, is largely standing and preserved until today. The building is one of the oldest churches in the region. The baptism bucket found here was taken to the Istanbul Archeology Museum in 1895 and it is among the unique works exhibited in the museum. Although the garrison is primarily built for military purposes, it is quite important that structures shed a light on belief, values of the time. These architectural structures and their use in the Zerzevan Castle clearly show the connections between the cultures and beliefs.


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