* Astronomy

Mt Nemrut: Eighth wonder of the ancient world

Throughout my whole life I was seen by all to be of my kingdom the most trustworthy guardian, and one who considered holiness to be an inimitable joy. Because of this, great dangers did I unexpectedly escape, and unhoped-for deeds did I skilfully accomplish, and a life of many years did I fill out in blessed fashion.

These immodest words belong to one Antiochus I Epiphanes, ruler of the remote kingdom of Commagene between 69 and 31 B.C. They form part of a cult inscription, written in Greek, on the base of the stone thrones of a series of magnificent statues atop the 2,150-meter Mt. Nemrut in the southeast of Turkey. Antiochus vainglory knew no bounds. Not content with claiming descent from Alexander the Great on his mothers side and Darius the Great on his fathers side, he declared himself the equal of the gods.

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