Ankara lay on the ancient Kings Road, and since Roman times has been a major commercial and military centre.

The walls of Ankara Castle which once enclosed the fortified city proper are now lost in the centre of the sprawling metropolis. Although they encircle the city's highest hill they are not visible from every point but wait to be discovered by the discerning eye.

The inner walls have 42 towers. Only a few scattered traces remain of the outer walls with their 20 towers.