Tushpa, Ancient capital ruins in Van Province, Turkey
Tushpa is an ancient ruins site in Van Province near Lake Van in Turkey. The hilltop contains fortification walls, royal tombs, and stone structures from an early civilization.
The site served as the capital of a powerful kingdom during the 9th century before Christ until invasions from outside shattered its rule. Foreign attackers forced the rulers to abandon their stronghold.
The site displays cuneiform inscriptions and carved reliefs that show how people recorded their stories and rules on stone. These marks reveal the communication and values of those who once governed from this hillside location.
The terrain is hilly and requires sturdy footwear and steady footing to navigate the paths. Bring water and sun protection since shade is sparse across the site.
An extensive water system was built here to irrigate the dry land and support agriculture across the region. This engineering accomplishment demonstrates how skillfully ancient builders could move water over great distances.
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