Who Built The Kapilikaya Rock Tomb, A Strange Ancient Tomb From The 2nd Century B.C.?

The Kapilikaya Rock Tomb is nestled between the small towns of Laçin and Kırkdilim, and about 27 kilometers north of Çorum, Turkey.

This strange ancient tomb dates back to the Hellenistic period, around the 2nd century B.C.

It remains shrouded in mystery, with its origins and the identity of its occupant still unknown.

The Origin Of The Tomb’s Name

Çorum province is situated near the Black Sea on the Central Anatolian Plateau.

It is known for its diverse rock formations shaped by tectonic activity along the North Anatolian Fault.

The name “Kapılıkaya” aptly translates to “rock with a door,” reflecting the tomb’s distinctive entrance.

Who Built The Kapilikaya Rock Tomb?

The exact builders of the Kapılıkaya Rock Tomb are not definitively known, as there are no historical records directly identifying them.

However, it is believed that the tomb was constructed during the Hellenistic period, around the 2nd century B.C.

This was a time when the region was influenced by Greek culture and governance following the conquests of Alexander the Great and the subsequent division of his empire.

An inscription above the entrance reads “IKEZIOS,” believed to be the name of a Greek commander named Ikezius from the Hellenistic period when the region was under Greek influence.

What’s Inside The Tomb?

From the outside, the entrance to the Kapılıkaya Rock Tomb resembles a massive doorway.

However, this grand façade is deceptive, as the door never actually opens.

No extensive archaeological work has been conducted inside the tomb; therefore, its contents and true purpose are largely unexplored.

Instead, the tomb is a small crypt with limited space, designed to hold a single body.

The true entrance is a small square opening in the rock, measuring about one meter high and slightly less wide, just big enough for a person to crawl through.

A Marvel of Ancient Architecture

This ancient tomb stands 65 meters above the stream level and was carved into a rocky outcrop.

It can be reached by following a steep trail that ascends the left side of the hill.

The tomb’s cube-like structure blends seamlessly with the surrounding rock, with only a few points of attachment to the natural rock to prevent collapse.

At the base of the tomb, stairs lead up to a doorway that, unfortunately, has become a canvas for graffiti artists over the years.

How To Get There?

Despite its historical importance, the Kapılıkaya Rock Tomb remains relatively unknown compared to other famous archaeological sites in Turkey, like Ephesus or Göbekli Tepe.

To reach Kapılıkaya, the best way is by private car.

It’s about 27 kilometers north of Çorum city center along the Çorum-Laçin road (also known as the Çorum-Osmancık road).

Look for a large pull-out on a sharp bend, where you can park with the mountainside on your left and the valley below on your right.

From there, follow the road, taking two right turns down narrow and bumpy paths until you reach the base of the site.