Kapilikaya Rock Tomb, Hellenistic rock-cut tomb near Çorum, Turkey.
Kapilikaya is a Hellenistic burial chamber carved into a mountainside with a cubic shape and a platform in front. Stairs rise from this platform to reach the entrance of the tomb.
This burial chamber dates to the 2nd century BC and bears an inscription with the name 'IKEZIOS' above its entrance, showing Greek influence in ancient Anatolia. The inscription and the period reveal how Greek and local traditions mixed during this era.
The tomb shows architectural features similar to the graves of Pontic kings in Amasya, reflecting how wealthy families in this region designed their burial places. These similarities reveal shared building traditions among the local elite of ancient times.
The site sits about 27 kilometers north of Çorum along the Çorum-Laçin road and is best reached by car rental. Public transportation to this location is limited, so independent travel is necessary.
The actual entrance to the burial chamber is a small square opening about one meter high, while a larger false door was carved nearby into the rock. This trick was a protection measure against grave robbers who looked for the obvious entrance.
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