2025 Excavation Season Begins at Antandros Ancient City: Focus on Early Christian Baptistery
The 2025 excavation season has officially started at the ancient city of Antandros, located in the Edremit district of Balıkesir, Türkiye. Led by Prof. Dr. Gürcan Polat, a faculty member at Ege University’s Department of Classical Archaeology, the excavation team continues to uncover the deep-rooted history of the site. Baptistery Becomes the Main Excavation Area
2,700-Year-Old Urartian Columns Unearthed at Kef Castle: A Discovery Shedding Light on Anatolian History
Archaeological excavations at Kef Castle, located in the Adilcevaz district of Bitlis province, have revealed a stunning discovery: 49 massive “elephant foot” columns, dating back nearly 2,700 years to the Urartian period. Perched on the slopes of Mount Süphan and overlooking the breathtaking Van Lake, Kef Castle was built by King Rusa II of the
Archaeologists Discover Centuries-Old Prayer Tablet and Ottoman-Era Treasures in Eastern Türkiye
Archaeologists working at the historic Bitlis Castle in eastern Türkiye have unearthed a rare centuries-old prayer tablet along with Ottoman-era coins, ceramic fragments, an ancient water distribution system, and several graves. The discovery is shedding new light on the region’s diverse religious and cultural history. The excavation, authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and
Ancient Roman Bathhouse Discovered Beneath Farmland in Eastern Anatolia
Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,700-year-old Ancient Roman bathhouse in a field in the village of Salkaya, located in Elazığ province in eastern Anatolia. The discovery, which was made possible through ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and systematic excavations, offers valuable insights into the region’s Roman past and is believed to have belonged to an elite social class
Four-Generation Monument from the Late Hittite Period with Luwian Hieroglyphs: The İspeçkır Stele
Discovered in 1907 in the Darende district of Malatya, Türkiye, the İspeçkır Stele is an extraordinary artifact from the Late Hittite Period (circa 1200–700 BCE). Today, it is on display at the Sivas Archaeology Museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the royal lineage and belief systems of the ancient Hittite world. The monument features
Archaeologists Trace Hittite Culinary Culture at Uşaklı Höyük Excavations
In the village of Büyük Taşlık, located in the Sorgun district of Yozgat, central Türkiye, archaeologists at the Uşaklı Höyük excavation site are uncovering vital clues about the ancient culinary traditions of the Hittites. From charred seeds to cooking utensils, these findings are shedding light on how this Bronze Age civilization cooked and ate—offering insights
Sardis Ancient City and Lydian Tumuli in Türkiye Added to UNESCO World Heritage List
Lydian Capital Recognized as Global Cultural Heritage The Sardis Ancient City and the Bin Tepe (Thousand Mounds) Lydian Tumuli, located in Salihli, Manisa Province, Türkiye, have officially been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This marks Türkiye’s 22nd cultural site recognized as part of humanity’s shared legacy. The Birthplace of Coinage Joins the UNESCO
Illegal Excavation in Türkiye’s Tokat Uncovers Rare Roman Mosaic
An illegal excavation in the Zile district of Tokat province has led to the unexpected discovery of a colorful Roman-era mosaic, shedding new light on the region’s rich and ancient history. Archaeologists believe the intricately designed floor mosaic may have once adorned a public building during the Roman period. Tokat is known as one of
Byzantine-Era Child and Adult Burials Unearthed in Türkiye’s Ancient City of Herakleia
Archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Herakleia, located in the Milas district of Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, have revealed numerous burials dating back to the Byzantine period. The high number of child graves raises the possibility of a historical epidemic having struck the region. Excavation work continues to uncover remarkable findings at Herakleia, an ancient
Apollo Temple in Didim Opens for Night Visits: A Journey Through Ancient Prophecies After Sunset
One of the ancient world’s most mystical and awe-inspiring landmarks, the Temple of Apollo in Didim, Türkiye, is now open for nighttime visits. As part of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Heritage for the Future” initiative, the ancient prophecy center has been illuminated to offer visitors a truly unique experience under the stars.