Fortress of Van

The Fortress of Van is an ancient, impressive stone fortress located near Lake Van in modern-day Turkey. Built around the 9th century BCE, it was part of the ancient Urartian kingdom. The fortress features thick walls, towers, and defensive structures designed for protection and control over trade routes. Its strategic position allowed for surveillance of the surrounding region and protection against invasions. Today, it is an important archaeological site that offers insight into Urartian engineering and history, reflecting the military and administrative sophistication of the ancient civilization that constructed it.