A Roman Marvel Carved by Hundreds of Slaves: The Titus Tunnel and Beşikli Cave
In the coastal cliffs of Samandağ in southern Türkiye, a monumental trace of Roman power still cuts through the heart of the mountain. Known as the Titus Tunnel, this massive hand-carved channel stands as both a triumph of Roman engineering and a silent testimony to the thousands of slaves and prisoners who shaped it nearly
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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