{"id":1193,"date":"2024-07-02T09:54:51","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T08:54:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/orchontal.de\/wordpress\/?page_id=739"},"modified":"2025-04-10T12:25:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T10:25:27","slug":"citadel","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/orchontal.de\/en\/monuments\/karabalgasun\/citadel\/","title":{"rendered":"The Citadel"},"content":{"rendered":"
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View from the south-west over the temple and palace city \u00a9 M. Riemer \/ DAI<\/span><\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n
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The Citadel<\/h1>\n

The temple and palace city of Karabalgasun is an impressive archaeological site that is still dominated by two striking buildings. The citadel in the south-east corner of the complex formed the central residential area.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Stupa and Citadel<\/h2>\n
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Another particularly striking feature is a tower construction in the western half of the temple and palace city, which is referred to as a stupa and whose function is still unclear today. In the south-eastern corner is also the citadel itself, presumably the royal living quarters. This stacked podium, over 10 meters high and about 60 x 70 meters in size, was surrounded by a high wall that protected the inner area from attack. Stairs or ramps led to the interior of the citadel, which was accessed via two gates leading into the citadel.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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A Magnificent Fortress<\/h2>\n

In summary, the citadel of Karabalgasun can be described as a magnificent fortress: You entered it through a large north gate and reached a paved courtyard surrounded by columns. From there, another portal led into a stately hall whose walls were decorated with gray-blue plaster. The entire building complex was carefully laid out, but the remains of destruction and gradual decay bear witness to the fact that the citadel was once the scene of fierce battles.<\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n