11th-Century Graves Unearthed in Kayseri’s Monumental Roman Mosaic Villa

Archaeologists excavating in İncesu, Kayseri, have uncovered children’s and adult burials dating to the 11th century within Central Anatolia’s largest Roman mosaic site. The discovery shows that a villa first built in the 3rd–4th centuries CE remained in use until the medieval period.

Excavations in Örenşehir, İncesu district of Kayseri, have revealed a striking overlap of ancient and medieval history. Since 2021, archaeologists have been working on what is considered the largest mosaic-covered structure in Central Anatolia, and this year’s season has produced remarkable results.

Dr. Can Erpek of Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University’s Department of Art History announced that alongside the villa’s extensive mosaics, the team identified graves of both children and adults. One burial was securely dated to the 11th century thanks to coins found within.

“We have uncovered over 600 square meters of mosaic flooring. This season confirmed that the villa had a two-courtyard layout, with additional mosaics discovered in its peristyle corridors. Evidence suggests that the site was not only used during the Roman period but may have earlier Hellenistic origins,” Erpek explained.

Findings indicate that continuous settlement at the site stretches back to the 2nd century BCE. While initially functioning as a luxurious Roman residence, the villa was repurposed centuries later as a burial ground in the 11th–12th centuries CE.

The excavation site was also visited by Kayseri Metropolitan Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Şükrü Dursun, and Kayseri Archaeology Museum Director Gökhan Yıldız, who emphasized the project’s cultural and touristic value.

Dr. Erpek added: “Our aim is not only academic research but also to develop this area as a heritage destination. Once fully uncovered, it will become one of Kayseri’s most significant cultural landmarks.”