Museum constructed at Caesar’s castle

TOKAT – Anadolu Agency

The Zile castle in Tokat was the scene of a bloody war between Caesar and Pharnaces in 47 BC. The castle is expected to welcome more tourists when the museum is open.

A museum is under construction on the castle of Zile, known for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar’s famous phrase “veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) to the Roman senate. A stone building, which was established on the land on the right side of the historic castle in the northern province of Tokat, is set to open as a museum when the refurbishments are complete.

Speaking to press members in the castle, Culture and Tourism Ministry Undersecretary Haluk Dursun said Zile was an extraordinary place and the building in the castle would serve culture as a city museum, and that observation terraces could also be established in the castle.

Zile Mayor Lütfi Vidinel said they would display various artworks in the museum, adding, “We expect to host many tourists when the museum is open. When the Roman Emperor Caesar won a victory against Pharnaces II of Pontus, Caesar wrote this phrase. This is why the castle is known as the Caesar’s Castle. Foreign tourists examine the stone where this phrase is written.”

In historical documents, it is reported that Caesar waged a bloody war against Pharnaces II in Zile’s region of Altıağaç. Both sides suffered losses during the war and Caesar wrote this phrase in a letter to the Roman senate. He also built a stone tablet and inscribed this phrase in it.

There is also a small Roman theater carved on the rocks in the northeast of the ancient Zile Castle, which was built on a mound.