Monday, July 14 2025

Day: July 14, 2025

2,700-Year-Old Urartian Columns Unearthed at Kef Castle
Written by July 14, 2025

2,700-Year-Old Urartian Columns Unearthed at Kef Castle: A Discovery Shedding Light on Anatolian History

Anatolian News . Eastern Anatolia Article

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
Written by July 14, 2025

Archaeologists Discover Centuries-Old Prayer Tablet and Ottoman-Era Treasures in Eastern Türkiye

Anatolian News . Eastern Anatolia Article

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

Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,700-year-old Roman bathhouse in a field in the village of Salkaya, located in Elazığ province in eastern Turkey. 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 of the Late Roman Empire. The bath complex includes cold, warm, and hot rooms, a hypocaust (underfloor heating system), sweat rooms, pools, and both fresh and wastewater channels. With its advanced engineering and well-preserved structure, experts say the bathhouse stands out as one of the most significant Roman-era discoveries in the region. From Mosaic to Monument: Signs of an Ancient Settlement The initial clue to the area's rich history emerged in 2023 when a local farmer digging to plant cherry trees stumbled upon a colorful Roman floor mosaic adorned with animal figures. Following this discovery, researchers conducted GPR scans in the surrounding area and identified the outline of a larger structure just 70 meters to the south. Excavations in 2024 confirmed the presence of a Roman bath complex covering approximately 75 square meters. This finding has expanded the archaeological significance of the area and sparked renewed interest in its ancient urban layout. "We Believe This Was a Roman Settlement" Ahmet Demirdağ, Director of Culture and Tourism for Elazığ Province, emphasized the importance of the discovery: “The architectural features and technical complexity of the bathhouse indicate that it was used by members of the upper class. This find strongly suggests that the area was once a Roman settlement. We have now registered 30 acres of land for further exploration.” Demirdağ added that ongoing excavations aim to uncover more structures from the same period, further enriching the region's cultural heritage. A First for Elazığ Lead archaeologist Emre Çayır highlighted that this is the first Roman bathhouse of its kind discovered within Elazığ’s borders. “The hypocaust heating system, the well-preserved layout of hot, warm, and cold rooms, and the use of basalt and limestone blocks all point to advanced Roman engineering. It’s remarkable that such a structure was hidden beneath agricultural land for so long.” According to Çayır, the site offers not only architectural value but also deep insights into the public health practices, water culture, and daily life of Roman society in Anatolia.
Written by July 14, 2025

Ancient Roman Bathhouse Discovered Beneath Farmland in Eastern Anatolia

Anatolian News . Eastern Anatolia Article

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