Arsameia Stele

View of the famous 11 ft. [3.5 m.] high stele of the king of Commagene, Mithridates I, extending and grasping the right hand of the naked Hercules.

Mithridates I Kallinikos (100–70 B.C.) is dressed in royal garb and an Armenian headdress.  It is interesting to examine a detailed view of him: the headgear has an animal on it.  His staff, sword, stars on shoulder, etc. are clearly visible.

Hercules carries his two customary symbols: the club and the skin of the Nemean lion.

This stele is situated above a long Greek inscription and cistern.

Arsameia was the capital of the kingdom of Commagene.  It was founded in the first century B.C.