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
Ongoing Excavations at Garibin Tepe Near Van Shed Light on Urartian Architecture and Conservation Efforts
Archaeological works continue at Garibin Tepe in Türkiye’s Van province, one of the most intriguing Urartian sites of recent years. Excavations this season have focused on documenting massive walls, lion statues, and wall paintings as researchers seek to understand the architectural layout and royal character of the ancient complex. Located about 30 kilometers from central
Rare Egyptian Relief Depicting God Tutu Found in Roman Bath at Sagalassos: Crafted from Afyon Marble
Archaeologists at the ancient city of Sagalassos in Türkiye’s Burdur province have identified a rare marble relief depicting the Egyptian sphinx-god Tutu, carved from Afyon (Docimian) marble and discovered inside a Roman bath complex. The finding — a striking blend of Anatolian craftsmanship and Egyptian iconography — reveals how distant cultures interacted in the artistic
Unique in the World: The Eros Mosaic from Yumurtalık Shows the God of Love Fishing on a Hippocampus
Discovered during rescue excavations in 2013 in the coastal town of Yumurtalık (ancient Aegeai) in southern Türkiye, the mosaic depicts the love god Eros fishing while riding a Hippocampus—a half-horse, half-fish sea creature. Scholars describe it as a one-of-a-kind example in the entire Mediterranean world. From rescue excavation to museum The mosaic was unearthed in
3,200-Year-Old Hittite Sculpture Workshop in Yozgat Damaged by Looters
A 3,200-year-old Hittite sculpture workshop in Karakız, a village in Sorgun district of Yozgat, Türkiye, is being ravaged by illegal excavations. A basalt lion statue—one of the few surviving examples of Hittite stonework in the region—has been severely damaged by treasure hunters, raising urgent calls for protection. Archaeologists have identified the site as a rare
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
1,800-Year-Old Vase with Masked Actor Depiction Unearthed in Aigai Now on Display
A rare terracotta vase featuring a depiction of an ancient theatrical mask has been unearthed during excavations at the ancient city of Aigai in western Türkiye. Dated to around 1,800 years ago, the artifact is now on display at the Manisa Archaeological Museum and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in
160-Year-Old Church in Çeşme Turned Into Parking Lot: 300-Year-Old Statue Stolen
In the Altınyunus district of Çeşme, İzmir, a small 19th-century church has been left to decay after decades of neglect. Once home to a rare 300-year-old architectural statue of Jesus, the site has been looted, vandalized, and even turned into an informal parking lot. Forgotten Heritage on the Aegean Coast Estimated to have been built
Tomb of Menodora, One of Rome’s Most Generous Women, Unearthed in Sillyon, Antalya
Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Sillyon in Antalya’s Serik district have uncovered the tomb of Menodora, a wealthy Roman benefactor known for financing public buildings and establishing a foundation for children. The discovery sheds new light on the role of women in urban development during the Roman Empire. The excavation, led by Assoc. Prof.