The country of ancient Commagene spreads between the Taurus Mountains and the Euphrates in South-Eastern Turkey. Located at the eastern fringe of the Mediterranean world Commagene has been a border region for many centuries. Rooted in Near Eastern traditions the country was exposed to frequently changing religious systems and political powers. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Armenians, Seljuks, Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans have left their mark on the fertile valleys and the barren hills.