Kuşkayası Monument

Kuşkayası (Turkish for Bird's rock) is a roadside monument just outside the town of Amasra, in Bartın Province, in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. It was erected in the Roman Imperial age.

Close up of the monument

Location

The landmark lies in dense forestry, situated to the south of the D.010 road connecting Amasra to Bartın at 41°43′06″N 32°21′49″E. At a distance of about 4 km (2.5 mi) from Amasra, it overlooks part of the town as well as the Black Sea. The altitude of the monument is about 350 m (1,150 ft) above sea level. It can be reached by a staircase from the road.

History

Kuşkayası road monument is a unique structure in Turkey. It was built by Gaius Julius Aquila, governor of Bithynia et Pontus, in honor of Roman Emperor Tiberius Claudius Germanicus (AD 41–54). The monument includes a statue of a now headless human figure, the Roman eagle (also headless) and two inscriptions, all carved into the mountain. The 260 cm (100 in) human figure may represent either the Emperor or the Governor. In the original monument there was also a fountain (which no longer exists).[1]

Inscription

For the international peace and friendship and for the sovereignty of Emperor Germanicus;

Gaius Julıus Aquila, who has been appointed as lifelong strategos and two times legion commander by the Emperor Augustus; and rewarded by the senate upon the suggestion of Consul Gabinius Secundus and Consul Taurus Statilius penetrated the mountain and built this recreation ground by his own wealth.[2]

References
  1. "Amasra page" (in Turkish).
  2. Travellers page (in Turkish)

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