Footprint of an Urartian Woman Goes on Public Display for the First Time in Van Museum
Dating back nearly 3,000 years, a remarkably preserved female footprint imprinted in mudbrick reveals rare insight into daily life and women’s labor during the Urartian era. A silent echo of an ancient life has surfaced for public view: a female footprint from the Urartian civilization is now on display for the first time at the
Archaeologists Discover Rare Hittite Cuneiform ‘Bird Omen Text’ at Samuha, an Important Cult Centre
A remarkable discovery has emerged from the ancient Hittite settlement of Samuha—modern-day Kayalıpınar, located in Türkiye’s Sivas province. Archaeologists have unearthed a rare cuneiform tablet containing what appears to be a bird omen text, shedding new light on the spiritual practices of the Hittites. The excavations are being led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Maner
Archaeologists Uncover Striking New Findings at the Royal Temple of Haldi in Ayanis Fortress
With special permission from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, excavations continue at Ayanis Fortress, one of the most monumental and well-preserved structures of the Urartian Kingdom. The ongoing work focuses on the Royal Temple complex dedicated to Haldi — the supreme deity of the Urartians — where remarkable new findings are being brought
2,700-Year-Old Bronze Knives Discovered in Kazakhstan Shed Light on Early Saka Culture
A team of archaeologists and students from Margulan University has made a groundbreaking discovery in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region: two rare bronze knives estimated to be over 2,700 years old. Found at the newly uncovered Toraygyr-7 burial site near the scenic Lake Toraygyr in Bayanaul National Park, the knives offer a unique glimpse into the advanced
Excavator Operator Uncovers Ancient Treasure: Hittite Bull-Headed Jug Piece Now on Display in Sivas Museum
In a remarkable twist of fate, a routine sand excavation near Türkiye’s Kızılırmak River led to the discovery of an extraordinary artifact from the ancient Hittite civilization. A bull-headed piece of a massive ceremonial jug, dating back over 3,000 years, has been unearthed by an excavator operator in the Şarkışla district of Sivas Province—and is
6,000-Year-Old Temple with Blood Channel and Altar Unearthed in Elazığ, Türkiye
A 6,000-year-old temple site has been discovered during archaeological excavations in the village of Tadım in Elazığ, eastern Türkiye. This significant find sheds new light on the region’s ancient past. The excavations, coordinated by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and carried out by the Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism together with the
Four-Generation Monument from the Late Hittite Period with Luwian Hieroglyphs: The İspeçkır Stele
Discovered in 1907 in the Darende district of Malatya, Türkiye, the İspeçkır Stele is an extraordinary artifact from the Late Hittite Period (circa 1200–700 BCE). Today, it is on display at the Sivas Archaeology Museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the royal lineage and belief systems of the ancient Hittite world. The monument features
Archaeologists Trace Hittite Culinary Culture at Uşaklı Höyük Excavations
In the village of Büyük Taşlık, located in the Sorgun district of Yozgat, central Türkiye, archaeologists at the Uşaklı Höyük excavation site are uncovering vital clues about the ancient culinary traditions of the Hittites. From charred seeds to cooking utensils, these findings are shedding light on how this Bronze Age civilization cooked and ate—offering insights
Sardis Ancient City and Lydian Tumuli in Türkiye Added to UNESCO World Heritage List
Lydian Capital Recognized as Global Cultural Heritage The Sardis Ancient City and the Bin Tepe (Thousand Mounds) Lydian Tumuli, located in Salihli, Manisa Province, Türkiye, have officially been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This marks Türkiye’s 22nd cultural site recognized as part of humanity’s shared legacy. The Birthplace of Coinage Joins the UNESCO
Byzantine-Era Child and Adult Burials Unearthed in Türkiye’s Ancient City of Herakleia
Archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Herakleia, located in the Milas district of Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, have revealed numerous burials dating back to the Byzantine period. The high number of child graves raises the possibility of a historical epidemic having struck the region. Excavation work continues to uncover remarkable findings at Herakleia, an ancient