About Perre Ancient City
Perre, also known as Perrhe, is an ancient city located in Adıyaman Province, southeastern Turkey. It was once an important city of the Roman province of Commagene and is believed to date back to the Hellenistic period, around the 3rd century BC.
Notable features of Perre include its rock tombs, many of which are decorated with reliefs and inscriptions. These tombs provide significant insights into the funerary practices and beliefs of the people who once lived there.
One of the most distinctive features of Perre is its underground city. This complex network of rooms and corridors carved into the rock was likely used by the inhabitants as a refuge during times of invasion or conflict.
Additionally, there are the remains of a Roman-era bridge, indicating the city’s importance as a point of transit.
Despite its historical significance, as of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, much of Perre remains unexcavated. Its remote location and the extensive nature of the ruins mean that there is still much to be discovered about this ancient city. Archaeological research is ongoing and new discoveries continue to be made.
Visitors to Perre can explore the ruins and take in the impressive landscape, with views across the surrounding plains and mountains. The ancient city provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about the ancient civilizations of this region.
How to get to Perre Ancient City
The Perre Ancient City is located near the city of Adiyaman, in southeastern Turkey. Here are a few options for getting there:
By Air: The nearest airport is Adiyaman Airport, which is about 25 km from the city center. There are domestic flights to Adiyaman from Istanbul and Ankara. After landing, you can hire a taxi or use a local bus to get to the Perre Ancient City.
By Bus: There are regular intercity buses to Adiyaman from various cities in Turkey such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Once in Adiyaman, you can take a local bus or taxi to the ancient city.
By Car: If you’re comfortable with driving in Turkey, renting a car would give you the most flexibility. Adiyaman is well connected by roads. Using a GPS or map, head towards the city and then follow directions to Perre Ancient City.
What to pack for Perre Ancient City
Visiting the Perre Ancient City involves a fair amount of outdoor exploration, so here’s a list of suggested items to pack:
Comfortable Shoes: As you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking and exploring, pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes or hiking boots.
Sun Protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the summer months.
Clothing: Dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing based on the temperature. Light, breathable clothing is recommended for the summer months, while warmer clothing should be packed for the cooler months. Additionally, Turkey is a conservative country, so it’s a good idea to have a shawl or scarf on hand to cover your shoulders when necessary.
Water and Snacks: It’s essential to stay hydrated, so bring plenty of water. Snacks like nuts and dried fruit are also good to have on hand.
Camera: You’ll want to capture the stunning ruins and landscapes, so don’t forget your camera!
Guidebooks and Maps: A guidebook about the area can provide important historical context, and a map will ensure that you don’t get lost.
First-Aid Kit: A small first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medication is always a good idea when travelling.
Miscellaneous: Other items you might consider include binoculars, a portable phone charger, a travel journal, and a reusable shopping bag for any souvenirs you might purchase.
Where to stay near Perre Ancient City?
Perre Ancient City is an archaeological site, and as such, there are no accommodations directly in the area. However, the nearby city of Adiyaman offers a variety of options for places to stay. Here are a few suggestions:
White Star Hotel: This is a mid-range hotel located in the city center of Adiyaman. It offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
Arsames Hotel: Another centrally located hotel, the Arsames offers spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a breakfast buffet. Some rooms even offer views of the city.
Bozdogan Hotel: If you’re looking for a budget option, Bozdogan Hotel might be a good choice. It’s a no-frills hotel, but it’s clean, comfortable, and the staff is friendly.
Euphrat Hotel Nemrut: Located a bit further away, but close to Mount Nemrut, another popular tourist site. This hotel has comfortable rooms and offers views of the surrounding nature.
What type of climate does Perre Ancient City have?
Perre Ancient City is located near the city of Adıyaman in southeastern Turkey. This region experiences a continental Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool to cold, wet winters.
During the summer months (June through September), temperatures can rise quite high, often reaching above 30°C (86°F). Winters (December through February) are generally cold, with temperatures often falling to around 0°C (32°F) and sometimes below.
Rainfall is relatively low throughout the year, but the highest levels usually occur in the winter months. Occasionally, the region may experience snowfall during winter.
When is the best time to visit Perre Ancient City?
The best time to visit Perre Ancient City, considering the climate and the conditions of the site, would typically be during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months. During these times, the weather is generally more moderate and comfortable for outdoor exploration.
In spring, the temperatures are usually mild, and the surrounding nature is in full bloom, which adds to the beauty of the site. In autumn, you can enjoy pleasant weather and the changing colors of the landscape.
Visiting during these periods will allow you to avoid the intense heat of the summer months and the potential cold and precipitation of the winter months.
The history of Perre Ancient City
Perre, also known as Perrhe, is an ancient city located near the modern city of Adıyaman in southeastern Turkey. The city was once part of the Kingdom of Commagene, a small ancient Armenian kingdom that existed from 163 BC to 72 AD and was notable for its blend of cultures, particularly Greek and Persian.
The city of Perre was an important location in the Kingdom of Commagene, serving as one of the royal residences. The city was known for its significant Roman-era necropolis, which was a vast burial ground that featured elaborate tombs. The necropolis included a large number of tombs hewn into the rock, indicating that the city had a large population and was an important center in the region.
However, not much is known about the city’s detailed history due to the lack of textual records. It was likely abandoned and forgotten about over the centuries, like many ancient cities.
Archeological excavations have been conducted at the site since the 1980s, uncovering more about the city and the people who lived there. The discoveries made at Perre continue to provide insights into the Kingdom of Commagene and its culture.
Famous firsts and greatest of Perre Ancient City
Perre Ancient City, while not being as widely recognized as some other ancient cities, has its unique aspects and contributions:
The Necropolis: The Necropolis of Perre is one of the city’s most remarkable features. The extensive burial ground features numerous rock-cut tombs that indicate a substantial population lived in the city during its peak.
Cultural Melting Pot: Like the rest of the Kingdom of Commagene, Perre represents an interesting mix of cultures, including Greek and Persian influences. This can be seen in the architectural and decorative styles observed in the ruins.
Archaeological Discoveries: Perre has been a site of significant archaeological activity. Excavations have yielded important finds that contribute to our understanding of the Commagene Kingdom and the broader ancient world.
Subterranean City: Excavations in recent years have revealed that Perre was not only a surface city but also a subterranean city, similar to those in Cappadocia. The underground city is thought to have been used as a refuge during times of invasion or natural disaster.
Unique Rock-cut Tombs: The rock-cut tombs in Perre are unique due to their facade styles and interior layouts. They feature different types of burial methods, including cremation and inhumation, demonstrating diversity in burial customs.
Historical places of Perre Ancient City
Here are some of the historical sites that you can visit:
Necropolis: The Necropolis or the city of the dead is one of the most remarkable features of Perre. It includes numerous rock-cut tombs that give us a glimpse into the burial traditions of the people who lived here.
Cave Houses: The cave dwellings in Perre are also noteworthy. These were inhabited by people during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Underground City: Excavations have revealed that beneath the surface city, a complex network of subterranean structures existed. These include tunnels, rooms, and living areas that could have been used as a refuge in times of conflict or natural disasters.
Theater: Though heavily eroded, you can still make out the remains of an ancient theater.
Inscriptions: Several Greek inscriptions have been found scattered throughout the city, some of which are still partially intact and visible.
Archaeological Artifacts: Throughout Perre, you’ll find various artifacts like statues, ceramics, coins, and more that give us an insight into the culture and lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Ancient Roads: You can walk along the paths that were once bustling streets in this ancient city.
Who is the most famous people in the history of Perre Ancient City?
Perre Ancient City was part of the Kingdom of Commagene, and the most famous figure from this kingdom is arguably Antiochus I Theos of Commagene (69–40 BC). He was a king who tried to blend eastern and western cultures and is best known for creating the monumental sanctuary site on Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, there’s not enough historical data to specifically attribute any famous individuals to Perre Ancient City itself. Much of the knowledge about this city comes from archaeological investigations rather than historical accounts.
The 15 best things to do in Perre Ancient City
Perre Ancient City, which is part of Adiyaman in Turkey, is mainly an archaeological site and does not have the typical attractions or activities that you would find in a modern city. However, there are still plenty of interesting things to do and see in and around Perre:
- Explore the Necropolis: The Necropolis of Perre is a large and important ancient cemetery with rock-cut tombs, some of which have inscriptions.
- Visit the Cave Houses: Explore the ancient dwellings carved into the rocks, providing insight into how people used to live.
- Photograph the Sculptures: There are a number of remarkable stone sculptures throughout Perre Ancient City, including lion statues.
- Study the Inscriptions: Many tombs and rocks in Perre have ancient Greek and Latin inscriptions carved into them.
- Appreciate the Stonework: The quality of the stonework in the tombs and buildings of Perre is quite impressive.
- Learn About the Commagene Kingdom: Use your visit to learn about this lesser-known kingdom that ruled the area during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
- Enjoy the Scenery: The site offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, including the mountains and the Euphrates River.
- Visit the Museum in Adiyaman: Check out the archaeological museum in Adiyaman city, which houses some finds from Perre.
- Mount Nemrut: Take a trip to the nearby Mount Nemrut, another significant archaeological site of the Kingdom of Commagene, where giant statues and a tomb sanctuary are located.
- Cendere Bridge: Visit this ancient Roman bridge nearby, still in use today.
- Severan Bridge: Another ancient Roman bridge in the vicinity, it is one of the best preserved Roman bridges in Turkey.
- Arsemia Ancient City: Visit another ancient city of the Commagene Kingdom near Adiyaman.
- Gerger Castle: Explore this Byzantine-era castle located near Adiyaman.
- Visit Local Villages: Discover nearby local villages and experience their culture and way of life.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t forget to try the local cuisine in Adiyaman city or in local villages.
What is the best places to visit in Perre Ancient City?
Perre Ancient City is an archaeological site in Adiyaman, Turkey, and it’s known for its historical structures and artifacts from the ancient Commagene Kingdom. Here are some of the most notable places to visit within the Perre Ancient City:
The Necropolis: The most famous site in Perre is the Necropolis, a massive ancient cemetery with numerous rock-cut tombs. Some of these tombs contain inscriptions which provide historical information about the people who lived here in the past.
Cave Houses: The ancient inhabitants of Perre lived in houses carved directly into the rock. Exploring these structures offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Rock Tombs: There are numerous rock tombs scattered throughout Perre, some of which contain inscriptions in ancient Greek and Latin.
Stone Sculptures: Perre is also home to a variety of impressive stone sculptures. In particular, look out for the famous lion statues that are scattered around the city.
Panoramic Views: From the top of the hills where the city is located, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and the Euphrates River.
The best Perre Ancient City Tours
Historical and Archaeological Tours: These tours are guided by knowledgeable historians or archaeologists who provide in-depth information about the ancient city, its historical significance, and the civilization that once thrived there.
Walking Tours: A walking tour of the Perre Ancient City allows you to explore the site at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to see the key features like the necropolis, cave houses, and rock tombs.