The head of Apollo-Mithra-Helios-Hermes on the east terrace. The multiple names of the god indicate his syncretic nature. In the background: two of the giant limestone statues, facing outwards from the tumulus.

There has been some academic discussions about the two beardless ‘portraits’, as to know which one is to attribute to king Antiochus (and consequently the other to Apollo). In the report for the World Heritage List of the Unesco, the head with the ears partly visible is attributed to Apollo – and the one where the cap covers the ears completely, to king Antiochus.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: File 448: ‘Nemrut Dağı’ – World Heritage List, Unesco (see: whc.unesco.org) .
& Personal visits (1983, 1987, 1994).