Sogmatar Ancient City
The ancient city of Sogmatar found near the ancient city of Harran offers a look into a different and inclusive side of the ancient world. An ancient pagan city that was also thought to be where the Prophet Moses settled following his escape from the pharaoh.
In the centre of the town is a hill with remnants of a civilisation that dates back to the 2nd century, during this time it was a pagan centre. The hill was an outside sanctuary, originally the 7 temples that ring the hill were thought to represent; the Sun, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. More investigation revealed this was a grave monument and sacred area. This sacred area is thought to be a representation of Mare-late, the Lord of Gods, with those praying to the centre of the hill similar to modern prayers towards Mecca.
120 tombs were discovered and excavation started in 2012, during the excavations they found family tombs, with tomb areas for children. In these chambers, they found a horse and cart-style cars made from clay, including a wooden pin to allow the wheels to turn in a realistic fashion. A temple was found amidst the Necropolis, which was dedicated to the god of the moon, Sin. In the nearby Harran Saabiss also prayed towards the sacred hill.