Alacahoyuk

At the time of the Hittite Empire it was an important well-fortified city that defended the
approaches to the capital against raids by the Kashkan tribes. The fortifications of the city
consisted of solid walls built in the traditional manner with a mud-brick superstructure
on a stone socle. Two main gates led into the city, the West Gate and the South Gate.
The latter was notable for its grace and is now known as the Sphinx Gate as its entrance
was guarded by two statues of sphinxes placed in front of the gate on either side of the
gateway. The stone socle on the outside of the gate-towers was adorned with refined
reliefs showing various scenes from everyday life. The Sphinx Gate can be seen in the
lower part of this illustration

Relief avec acrobates et avaleur de sabres : représente peut-être une fête religieuse