Legendary City of Troy Yields 4,500-Year-Old Golden Brooch and Jade Stone

The ancient city of Troy in Çanakkale, Türkiye — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — has once again captured global attention with a groundbreaking discovery. According to an announcement by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, excavations at the site have uncovered a golden ring-shaped brooch and a rare jade stone, both dating back to the Early Bronze Age.

Minister Ersoy emphasized on his X account: “These artifacts, among the most significant discoveries of the past century, will soon be on display at the Troy Museum.”

Golden Brooch: One of Only Three Known Worldwide

The brooch, dated to around 2500 BC, was unearthed from the Troy II layers. It is considered the best-preserved example of a type of golden ring brooch of which only three are known worldwide. This makes the find invaluable not only for Anatolian archaeology but also for world history.

The Troy II settlement is tied to the Early Bronze Age and first came to prominence in the 19th century when Heinrich Schliemann uncovered the famous “Treasure of Priam.” This new discovery reinforces Troy’s significance beyond Homer’s epics, underlining its enduring role in human history.

Jade Stone: A Symbol of Luxury and Long-Distance Trade

Equally remarkable is the discovery of a jade stone, a material that 4,500 years ago symbolized power, prestige, and luxury. Scholars note that jade finds point to long-distance trade connections, suggesting that Troy was not only a hub of Aegean and Anatolian interaction but also linked to more distant regions.

The presence of jade at Troy underscores the city’s role as a trading center from the Early Bronze Age onward, offering new insights into its cultural and economic networks.

To Be Displayed at the Troy Museum

The Troy Museum, opened in 2018 and recipient of several international awards, will host these artifacts. Already home to thousands of finds, including items from the “Treasure of Priam” and exhibitions inspired by Homer’s epics, the museum’s collection will be further enriched by the golden brooch and jade stone, enhancing global interest in Troy.

Troy’s Lasting Place in World History

Troy is not only legendary in Greek mythology but also a cornerstone of Anatolian history. Continuously inhabited from 3000 BC until the Roman era, the city stood at the crossroads of East and West, embodying both cultural exchange and conflict throughout history.

This discovery further validates Troy’s legendary status, offering tangible evidence of Early Bronze Age life — from social prestige and trade routes to aesthetic tastes. The golden brooch and jade stone are not merely archaeological artifacts but enduring witnesses of an interconnected ancient world.

Cover Image: Early Bronze Age golden ring-shaped brooch, dated to ca. 2500 BC, unearthed at Troy (Çanakkale, Türkiye). One of only three known worldwide. Source: Minister of Culture Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, X.