Şapinuva Archaeological Site is an administrative and military center of the Hittite period located in Çorum's Ortaköy district; excavations are ongoing with royal archives, two temples, and palace ruins.
Şapinuva is considered one of the provincial capitals of the Hittite Empire. A letter found during excavations at Maşat Höyük in Tokat states that the great king dispatched 1701 soldiers to Şapinuva within two days. This single line is enough to convey how important a military center the city was. Tablets found during excavations indicate the presence of a royal couple, III. Tuthaliya and Queen Taduhepa, residing in Şapinuva. Taduhepa ruled the country with I. Suppiluliuma after the king's death.
The city spreads over a large area: there are two temples dedicated to two different Storm Gods, a queen's palace, army command structures, and administrative units similar to a municipal organization. The excavation area known as Building A is open to visitors, and the section containing archive tablets is also here. However, a large part of the area may be closed from time to time as excavation work continues. Some visitors report that they could only visit this single building.
The archaeological site is mentioned along with Hattusha and Alacahöyük on Çorum's tourist route, but there are complaints about maintenance. The lack of cleaning of weeds along the walking paths in summer and the risk of ticks are frequently mentioned problems by visitors. Despite this, some visitors state that volunteer academics and students continue the excavation work in the area, and the site is slowly coming to life. Most of the artifacts are exhibited in the Çorum Museum, so what you see at the archaeological site is mostly architectural traces and the excavation area.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Çorum historical places, Alacahöyük Museum and Archaeological Site.
Guide's Note
What is Şapinuva, Why is it Important?
Şapinuva was used as both a military and religious center during the Hittite Empire period thanks to its strategic location. A tablet found in Maşat Höyük, Tokat, states that the great king dispatched soldiers here. This indicates that the city was a base where the army was constantly ready. Most of the correspondence found in excavations is between King III. Tuthaliya and Queen Taduhepa, which points to the existence of a royal palace in the city.
How to Get There?
Şapinuva is 53 kilometers from Çorum city center and only 3 kilometers from Ortaköy district center. The most comfortable way to get there is by your own car, as public transport services are not frequent. For those coming from the Amasya-Alaca route, a part of the road is dirt, and you need to slow down in this section. When you type "Şapinuva Archaeological Site" into navigation, the area appears marked.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and early autumn months are more comfortable for visiting as the weeds have not yet grown or have turned yellow. In summer, the area around the walking paths is covered with weeds, and the risk of ticks increases; many visitors complain about this situation. In winter, the area can be muddy and difficult to walk.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
The core walkable part of the area is the excavation site known as Building A. Visiting this takes about 1 hour. Other sections where excavation work continues are sometimes closed to visitors, in which case the duration is even shorter. If you also include the Çorum Museum in your plan for the same day, you will also see the main place where the artifacts are located.
Route Suggestion
Şapinuva can be planned as part of a two-day Hittite route along with Hattusha and Alacahöyük. If you divide it into one day for Hattusha and Alacahöyük, and the second day for Çorum Museum and Şapinuva, you will have allocated enough time for each area. Those who visit İncesu Canyon after leaving Şapinuva complete the day with a nature walk.
Things to Know Before You Go
The most frequent complaint about the archaeological site is the lack of maintenance. Weed clearing along the walking paths is not done regularly, and this poses a tick risk, especially in summer; wearing closed shoes and long pants is advisable. Due to ongoing excavation work, some parts of the area may be closed depending on the season, so if you are coming from a distant city, calling ahead to ask which sections are open will prevent wasted time. Most of the artifacts are exhibited in the Çorum Museum; what you will mainly see at the archaeological site are architectural remains and excavation pits.
Good Spots for Photos
The wall foundations of Building A and the section where the archive room is located are the most photographed parts. The view of the Göynücek Plain and the Çekerek River surrounding the area provides a good background for shots taken from a slightly elevated position of the excavation site.
FAQ
Updated:
