In 1987, O. Günay made a chance discovery of a significant archaeological find while plowing his field near the village of Yurtlak, just a few kilometers west of the city of Erzin in Turkey's Hatay province, with Antioch as its capital.
The remarkable find, a basalt stele cataloged as number 17183 in the Hatay Archaeological Museum, is broken in two but still retains its historical and artistic value, providing valuable insights into ancient mythologies.
The Erzin Stele and Its Symbolism
The base of the Erzin stele features a protrusion, indicating that it was originally positioned horizontally on a pedestal, adding depth to its architectural context.
With this protrusion, the stele stands at an impressive height of 0.96 meters, with a width of 0.46 meters and a thickness of 0.16 meters.
The front of the stele depicts a highly weathered bas-relief of the Storm God in his characteristic stance, standing imposingly on a bull.
In his left hand, the god holds a double axe, a symbol of strength and power, while in his right hand, he wields a lightning bolt, representing his divine connection to storms and weather.
The Storm God
Sketch of the stele. Photo: Ensert, et al., 2008.
A unique feature of this depiction is that the god is grasping a snake by the neck, a deviation from the traditional representations of the Storm God.
The body of the snake coils around the god, with its tail rising toward the left side, suggesting a dynamic struggle between the two figures.
This scene likely represents the battle between the Storm God and the serpent, a motif that appears in both Anatolian and Syrian mythology.
The struggle between the Storm God and the serpent is a recurring theme in the myths of the ancient Near East, symbolizing the conflict between order and chaos.
Common Mythological Motifs of the Hurrians and Hittites
In the Hurrian myth of Hedammu, a giant serpent named Hedammu lives in the ocean and is eventually defeated by the Storm God, who is associated with fertility and rain. Similarly, the myth of the Hittite serpent-dragon Illuyanka tells of a serpent that must be vanquished by the Storm God, highlighting the significance of this motif in the region's mythology.
Embodiment of Nature's Elements
Above the Storm God, a partially damaged symbol of a winged sun disk is visible, emphasizing his divine nature and connection to celestial forces.
This specific iconography is significant because it links the Storm God with solar deities, a common practice in ancient cultures where gods embodied multiple aspects of nature.
The presence of the disk and the winged sun suggests a possible connection to later Greek mythology, where similar motifs appear, particularly in the representations of gods such as the Sun and Apollo.
Experts date the stele to the 9th or 8th century BCE, situating it in a crucial period of ancient history characterized by the flourishing of the Hittite civilization and its interactions with neighboring cultures.
The Hittites are known for their rich mythology and complex pantheon, and the stele serves as a valuable artifact shedding light on their beliefs and artistic expressions.
The Transition from Hittite to Greek Mythology
Photo: ENSERT, H., Görmüş, A., & Kara, D. (2008). The Stele of Erzin. Adalya, (11).
The transition from Hittite mythological themes to Greek culture is particularly noteworthy, as it underscores the cultural interactions of the region over time.
The discovery of the Erzin stele highlights the importance of archaeological study in uncovering the rich mosaic of human history.
Each artifact tells a story, just like the stele.
It invites us to reflect on the beliefs, struggles, and artistic achievements of our ancestors, reminding us of the timeless legacy of ancient civilizations. As scholars and history enthusiasts delve into the significance of these finds, we are constantly reminded of the interaction of human experience across time and space.
The Erzin Stele stands out as a bridge between the past and the present, inspiring us to think about the narratives and myths that have shaped our worldview to this day.
The continuous study of artifacts such as the Erzin stele enriches our knowledge of ancient societies while inspiring us to admire the complexities of human faith and creativity throughout history.
As we explore the connections between Hittite and Greek mythologies, we gain a deeper appreciation for how the ancients understood the world and the divine forces that influenced their lives.
Finally, the Erzin Stele is not just another artifact.
It is proof of the rich mythological traditions of the ancient Near East and their enduring influence on later cultures, including the Greek civilization.
The themes of struggle, power, and divine intervention depicted on the stele remain timeless, reminding us of the collective human experience in grappling with the forces of nature and the unknown.
As we continue to uncover and study such artifacts, we enrich our understanding of the past and its relationship with the present and future.
