Information about the ancient city of Arsameia, which was discovered in 1951, was only available after analysing the inscription found in the centre of the city. The inscription states, that the founder of Arsameia was Arsemes, a paternal ancestor of Antiochus I, who lived the first half of the 3rd century. However, most of the remains that exist today were built by Antiochus I, who named the city “Hierothesion” (sacred area). Hierothesion means the holy grave of one of the royal family.

The Arsameia Historical Site (Arsameia Ören Yeri) is built on steep cliffs, and the structures located here are accessed by a pathway used as a ceremonial road. On this road, there are relief stelae, a rock-carved monumental burial chamber, the largest inscription in Anatolia, the tunnel structure, and the remains of architectural structures at the top. These structures are named as “Ktismata” in the inscription.

The inscription in the centre of the ruins consists of 256 lines across 5 columns. Under the inscription, there is a hallway with a sacred function, which can be reached over a 158 meters long stairway. Right next to the inscription, there is a stele picturing a scene where King Antiochus I of Commagene shakes hands with deity Heracles.

It is thought that the dexiosis (handshake) reliefs, which are placed in intervals along the “Sacred Road”, the processional path, were placed to prepare the people attending the ceremony for the sacred atmosphere. Each of the flat reliefs carved in limestone, King Antiochus I is depicted shaking hands with a deity. As can be understood from these relief-pictures, King Antiochus I regards himself at the same level with the deities and describes himself as the God King.