English: Carved orthostate. Most likely belonging to this early stage of the Phrygian citadel is a series of upright stone slabs (“orthostates”) carved with relief figures, as best known from such sites as Carchemish and Zincirli in north Syria. Serving as the base course for one or more monumental buildings, these orthostates reveal in their architectural usage and sculptural style close connections with the Neo-Hittite world of northern Syria and the eastern portion of central Anatolia (Tabal). The lion, which probably stood at a doorway, was perhaps intended to ward off evil spirits.