First used as an observation point during the Hittite Empire, it was expanded into a castle during Roman rule.

It was later expanded into a main castle by the Roman Empire in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.

[3] It underwent further expansion and renovation under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between AD 527 and 565.

[5] Some of the eastern and southern bastions collapsed, and iron railings and walls around the castle were seriously damaged.

[1][6] Restoration work began in September 2023 with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism,[7] and it is estimated that the castle will open its doors to tourists at the end of 2024.