A Strategic Point on the Eastern Roman Border: Adilcevaz Castle

Adilcevaz Castle is located on a dominant hill with steep slope the edge of Lake Van in district Bitlis province today. This hilly area low elevation extensions volcanic mountain formation, most which covers borders province, descending into lake. The castle was built connected to main rock only narrow passage from north while possesses extremely slopes east, west and south. At first glance, fleets east give impression that they clamped two sides. These resembling walls are actually reason why here. traces show there continuous settlement accompanied by fortification since early times as expanded, new additions fortification, whole turned fortified urban center. During late Roman - Byzantine period, one frontier fortifications Eastern Empire center diocese due its geographic location it also an important road network. secondary Edessa Ani North running through Adilcevaz. So city has changed hands among many civilizations throughout history, protecting were destroyed wars repaired. In addition, earthquakes various periods caused collapse. Although have been demolished today, three phases identified according construction technique, inscriptions additional traces.