2022-10-17 Mon

The Fortress of Tushpa is a massive stone fortification built during the 9th to 7th centuries BC by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. The city was named Tushpa after the goddess Tushpuea (aka Tushpues or Tushpua), who was the consort of Shivani, the Urartian sun god. The word 'Van' is derived from the Urartian people's name for their region, Biaina.

The fortress overtook the ruins of Tushpa, the capital of ancient Urartian capital during the 9th century. The fortress includes the royal building of the capital of the Urartian Kingdom. It centered upon the steep-sided bluff where the fortress now sits. The fortress was used for regional control rather than as a defense against foreign armies.

Image Courtesy: colnect.com