Zerzevan Castle

Zerzevan Castle, also known as Samachi Castle, is a ruined Eastern Roman castle, a former important military base, in Diyarbakır Province, southeastern Turkey [1]. Archaeological excavations at the site revealed the existence of underground structures, among them a temple of Mithraism, a mystery religion [1]. Zerzevan Castle was built in the 4th century by the Eastern Roman Empire as a military base on the ancient trade route between Diyarbakır and Mardin [1]. It was in use until the 7th century [1]. The castle is situated on the top of a 105–124 m-high rocky hill next to Demirölçek village about 13 km southeast of Çınar town in Diyarbakır Province on the highway D.950 to Mardin [1]. The place was known as Samachi in classical antiquity [1]. It was the site of heavy fighting between the Byzantine Empire and the Sasanian Empire [1]. The castle stretches over an area of 5.7 ha [1].