Thursday, October 9 2025

Author: Leman Altuntaş

Seljuk Traces in St. Paul’s Lystra: Oldest Examples of the Evil Eye Bead Found

Seljuk Traces in St. Paul’s Lystra: Oldest Examples of the Evil Eye Bead Found

Archaeological excavations in Lystra, the ancient city known from the Bible as one of the places visited by St. Paul the Apostle, have revealed Seljuk-era traces and turquoise-colored “evil eye” beads inside children’s graves. Researchers believe these beads represent a cultural bridge — where Turkic beliefs merged with earlier Anatolian traditions, giving birth to the

Archaeologists have uncovered a T-shaped pillar carved with a human face at the Neolithic site of Karahantepe in southeastern Türkiye — a discovery described as a first in human history. The finding was announced by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy on his official X (Twitter) account, where he wrote: “Karahantepe — A first in history! Within the scope of our Taş Tepeler Project, a T-shaped pillar with a human face has been unearthed for the first time.” The discovery forms part of the Taş Tepeler (Stone Hills) Project, a long-term archaeological initiative led by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which explores the earliest stages of human settlement and symbolic expression in the Şanlıurfa region. A Turning Point in Neolithic Symbolism For decades, the T-shaped pillars of Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe have been interpreted as stylized human figures, primarily due to the carved arms and hands visible on many examples. Yet, this new pillar — the first to bear a carved human face — marks a major leap in understanding how early Neolithic societies perceived themselves. The pillar’s face, featuring deep-set eyes, a pronounced nose, and sharp contours, resembles other human sculptures from Karahantepe. Experts say the find reflects not only the craftsmanship of early Anatolian communities but also their emerging capacity for abstract and self-referential thought. From Symbol to Identity Until now, these T-shaped monoliths were thought to serve either as structural elements or abstract human representations. The new find, however, provides the first direct depiction of the human visage, offering a rare glimpse into the earliest stages of self-image in human history. Karahantepe and the Taş Tepeler Network Dating back approximately 12,000 years, Karahantepe is one of several interconnected sites in the Taş Tepeler region, which also includes Göbeklitepe, Sefertepe, Sayburç, Harbetsuvan Tepesi, and Çakmaktepe. These settlements continue to reshape our understanding of humanity’s transition from nomadic life to organized, temple-centered communities. Together, they position Anatolia as one of the earliest centers of symbolic architecture and spiritual innovation.

A Historic First at Karahantepe: Human-Faced T-Shaped Pillar Unearthed in Türkiye

Archaeologists have uncovered a T-shaped pillar carved with a human face at the Neolithic site of Karahantepe in southeastern Türkiye — a discovery described as a first in human history. The finding was announced by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy on his official X (Twitter) account, where he wrote: “Karahantepe — A

Scientists Identify the Woman Behind a 2,000-Year-Old Marble Head Found in Crimea

Scientists Identify the Woman Behind a 2,000-Year-Old Marble Head Found in Crimea

Researchers from Poland and Spain reveal that the ancient sculpture depicts a Roman lady named Laodike A team of researchers from Poland and Spain has identified the subject of a marble female head discovered in Crimea in 2003 as Laodike, a Roman woman who lived in the early centuries CE.According to the study, Laodike was

2,800-Year-Old Sanctuary of the Phrygian Mother Goddess Matar Unearthed at Attouda Ancient City

2,800-Year-Old Sanctuary of the Phrygian Mother Goddess Matar Unearthed at Attouda Ancient City

Archaeologists working at the ancient city of Attouda in Denizli’s Sarayköy district have uncovered a sanctuary dedicated to the Phrygian Mother Goddess Matar (Kybele), dating back 2,600–2,800 years. The discovery includes a monumental rock sanctuary, a sacred cave, and a unique twin rock idol. The excavations are carried out under the supervision of Hulusi Ünsal,

1,800-Year-Old Roman Agora Unearthed in the Ancient City of Metropolis

1,800-Year-Old Roman Agora Unearthed in the Ancient City of Metropolis

Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Metropolis in İzmir, Türkiye, have uncovered a 1,800-year-old Roman-era agora that once served as the commercial heart of the settlement. Experts suggest it may be the largest trade center ever identified in the city. Located between the modern villages of Yeniköy and Özbey in Torbalı, Metropolis is also known

7,000-Year-Old Ubaid-Period Human Footprints Unearthed at Tell Kurdu Mound

7,000-Year-Old Ubaid-Period Human Footprints Unearthed at Tell Kurdu Mound

Archaeologists working at Tell Kurdu Mound in Hatay, southern Türkiye, have uncovered a discovery rarely seen in Anatolian archaeology: five human footprints dating back 7,000 years. According to Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the footprints were found in layers dated to around 3200 BCE (Ubaid period). “Steps taken seven millennia ago

Ancient Walls Unearthed in Amantia: A New Chapter in Illyrian Archaeology

Ancient Walls Unearthed in Amantia: A New Chapter in Illyrian Archaeology

Archaeologists working at Amantia Archaeological Park in southern Albania have uncovered the remains of powerful defensive walls, dating back to the 3rd century BC and believed to have collapsed in the 6th century AD. These newly revealed fortifications surrounded the lower settlement of the city, offering fresh insights not only into Amantia’s defensive strategies but

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

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

Excavations at Aizanoi Reveal New Finds in the 2,000-Year-Old Temple of Zeus

Excavations at Aizanoi Reveal New Finds in the 2,000-Year-Old Temple of Zeus

Archaeological work in the ancient city of Aizanoi in Çavdarhisar, Kütahya, has brought to light previously buried architectural remains of the world-famous Temple of Zeus. The excavations also uncovered Byzantine-era burials within the sanctuary’s grounds. In western Türkiye’s Kütahya province, the ancient city of Aizanoi continues to yield new discoveries. Recent excavations around the iconic

World’s Largest Assyrian Lamassu Unearthed at Nineveh’s Nabi Yunus Site

World’s Largest Assyrian Lamassu Unearthed at Nineveh’s Nabi Yunus Site

Archaeologists in Iraq have announced the discovery of a colossal Assyrian winged bull in Mosul, measuring nearly six meters in height—making it the largest lamassu ever documented. The statue, dating to the reign of King Esarhaddon (681–669 BCE), was uncovered within the throne hall of his royal palace at Nineveh, one of the empire’s most

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