The site of Nemrud Dag is one of the most illustrious monuments of the Hellenistic ancient near east. The Hierothesion was the most important central place of cult in the small but striking kingdom of Kommagene (130 BC - 74 AC), situated in the southeast of modern Turkey at the banks of the river Euphrates. It was erected on the levelled top of the circa 2200 m. high mount Nemrud by Antiochus I, probably around 64 BC, along with a range of smaller monuments in its vicinity (e.g. Arsameia on Nymphaios). The site is believed to be the burial monument of this king. The main elements are the 50 m. high tumulus, two terraces with series of stelae, sculptures, altars and statues. The impressive colossal statues on both the east terrace and the west terrace show a row of deities (Kommagene, Zeus, Apollo and Herakles) together with Antiochus himself. The statues are flanked by guardian eagles and lions. The gods, seated on their thrones, originally reached about 8-10 m. but have partly collapsed.

The world-famous lion-horoscope, the oldest in existence, adorned the west terrace. The sepulchral chamber that the monument would harbour has as yet not been excavated.

The site is unique because it reflects a very particular construction of an own style and identity making use of both classical traditions and oriental traditions, in order to highlight and legitimize the rule of Antiochus. It is therefore one of the key sites for studies on the new Hellenistic kingdoms formed after the collapse of the short-lived empire of Alexander the Great. Although it survived for more than 2000 years, earthquakes and seasonal exposure to frost severely threatens the preservation of the monument. The site is one of the most important sites in Turkey and was made a World heritage monument by UNESCO.

From 2001 and onwards, the Amsterdam Archaeological Centre has been involved in the archaeological research on the Nemrud Dag and directed a range of missions aimed at the conservation, restoration and documentation of the site, which have been integrated under the name of the Nemrud Dag Project.

The most important work comprises:

• Restoration of the statues;
• Conservation of the horoscope;
• Inventarisation and description of all limestone and sandstone fragments;
• Extensive documentation consisting of drawings and digital photographs;
• High precision mapping;
• Integration of all collected data in a digital site information system.

The work executed so far, along with the site information system, will be published in a richly illustrated volume.

A varied group of international renowned researches have been working on the mountain, currently active at the AAC are:
Prof. Dr. Herman Brijder (director)
Dr. Tesse Stek (researcher)
Ellen Thiermann, MA (researcher)
Jitte Waagen, MA (site information system)

And collaborating with the publication are:
Ir. Maurice Crijns
Antoine Roelofs

Detailed information on the archaeological efforts of the AAC and the various involved parties and specialists can be found in:

• Moormann, E.M. & Versluys, M.J., The Nemrud Dag Project: first interim report, in: BABesch 77, 2002, Amsterdam.
• Moormann, E.M. & Versluys, M.J., The Nemrud Dag Project: second interim report, in: BABesch 78, 2003, Amsterdam.
• Moormann, E.M. & Versluys, M.J., The Nemrud Dag Project: third interim report, in: BABesch 80, 2005, Amsterdam.