Athena relief of Sömek

The relief displays a carved figure of Athena in a niche with a shell-shaped top, flanked by pilasters with wide capitals at 1.30 meters height.

Created during the second century, this relief marked the ancient border between Rough Cilicia and Flat Cilicia, near the Limonlu River, formerly known as Lamos.

The inscription identifies the deity as Athena Krisoa, representing a local adaptation of the Greek goddess, with her image following the Athena Parthenos style.

Located two kilometers north of Sömek village in the Silifke district of Mersin Province, the relief stands 1.50 meters above ground level.

The relief combines Greek and local elements, featuring symbols including a star, crescent moon, thunderbolt, and traces of a severed head on the right pilaster.

GPS coordinates: 36.60444,34.08083

Latest update: March 11, 2025 13:56