The Mystery of a 2,600-Year-Old Phrygian Inscription in Turkey!
A long-standing archaeological enigma surrounding the Arslan Kaya (“Lion Rock”) monument in western Turkey has finally been solved. Professor Mark Munn from Pennsylvania State University has successfully deciphered an ancient inscription dating back 2,600 years. His discovery centres on the word “Materan,” a reference to the revered Mother Goddess of the Phrygians.
The Arslan Kaya Monument
The Arslan Kaya monument stands as a testament to the artistry and devotion of the ancient Phrygians. Located in the highlands near Lake Emre Gölü, this 15-metre-high volcanic rock formation features intricate carvings, including lions, sphinxes, and geometric designs. Nestled within its façade is a niche containing the weathered figure of Materan, the Mother Goddess. Known simply as “the Mother” to the Phrygians, this deity was later celebrated by the Greeks as the “Mother of the Gods” and by the Romans as “Magna Mater” or the “Great Mother.”
Photo Credit: Ingeborg Simon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Deciphering the Ancient Inscription
First documented in 1884 by archaeologist William Ramsay, the inscription on the monument has long baffled scholars. Centuries of erosion, coupled with vandalism and looting, left the text nearly illegible. While earlier researchers identified some fragmented letters, their efforts failed to reconstruct its full meaning.
Munn’s breakthrough came in April 2024, using detailed photography taken in ideal lighting conditions. The morning sunlight illuminated previously obscured details, allowing him to compare the newly revealed characters with records from the 19th century. This meticulous work confirmed the presence of the word “Materan” alongside other typical Phrygian letters.
“Photographic conditions are crucial,” Munn explained, noting that lighting can make all the difference in deciphering ancient texts. His findings also validated earlier hypotheses, particularly those of Alfred Körte, a 19th-century scholar who had suggested the presence of “Materan” but could not verify it conclusively.
Photo Credit: Ingeborg Simon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Materan’s Role in Phrygian Culture
The artistic and architectural features of the Arslan Kaya monument date back to the early-to-mid 6th century BCE, a period coinciding with the height of the Lydian Empire’s dominance in the region. Materan’s depiction—flanked by lions and sphinxes—symbolises protection and power, themes central to Phrygian spirituality.
The inscription is believed to be part of a larger dedication, possibly naming the person who commissioned the monument or invoking Materan’s divine protection. Such dedications were common in ancient cultures, often serving to reinforce political power and cultural identity.
“The deity known as Materan likely symbolised the political and spiritual authority of Lydia over Phrygia,” Munn noted. The stylistic details of the inscription, including its angular lettering and decorative motifs like palmettes and geometric patterns, further suggest strong cultural ties between the two ancient kingdoms.
While Munn’s findings provide crucial clarity, not all scholars agree on their novelty. Rostyslav Oreshko, a lecturer at the Practical School of Advanced Studies in France, pointed out that the reading of “Materan” had been proposed as early as the late 19th century. However, Oreshko acknowledged that Munn’s work has conclusively “set the record straight” on the inscription’s meaning and significance.
A Century-Old Mystery Solved
The Arslan Kaya monument, with its enigmatic carvings and inscriptions, has stood as a silent witness to centuries of history. Thanks to modern techniques and meticulous scholarship, its message has been brought back to light, deepening our understanding of the Phrygians and their enduring cultural legacy.
This discovery not only resolves over a century of debate but also highlights the enduring importance of ancient sites in uncovering humanity’s shared past.