2,000-Year-Old Bone Stylus Unearthed in Türkmen-Karahöyük, Believed to Be the Second Hittite Capital Tarhuntašša
A 2,000-year-old bone stylus was unearthed in Türkmen-Karahöyük, Konya. The site, linked to the lost Hittite capital Tarhuntašša, also yielded a gaming die, bathtub, ancient grains, and even monkey remains gifted from Egypt. Before the Battle of Kadesh, Hittite King Muwatalli II made a radical decision to move the empire’s capital from Hattusa to Tarhuntašša.
Ritual Infant Remains Discovered at Hittite Site of Uşaklı Höyük in Central Anatolia
The 2025 excavation season at Uşaklı Höyük in Central Anatolia concluded with a striking discovery relevant to both archaeology and Hittite history. The Italian Archaeological Mission from the University of Pisa uncovered infant remains around a monumental structure known as the “Circular Building,” believed to have ritual significance. Excavations focused primarily on terrace areas to
A 600-Year-Old Prayer Room Found Hidden Under a Firewood Storage in Cappadocia
What appeared to be a simple firewood storage area in the village of Taşkınpaşa, Cappadocia, central Türkiye, has revealed a centuries-old Islamic prayer room. Experts date the rock-cut site to approximately 600 years ago, possibly from the Eretnaid period. During a surface survey conducted by art historians from Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University (NEVÜ), a
119 Years of Excavations at Hattusa: New Discoveries in the Mysterious Area Between the Great Temple and Palace
In Boğazkale, Çorum Province, the ancient capital of the Hittites, Hattusa, has entered its 119th season of excavation. Led by Professor Dr. Andreas Schachner, the archaeological team is conducting in-depth research between the Great Temple and the palace, aiming to uncover new insights into the Hittite civilization’s different periods and their cultural heritage. A Century-Long
Saint Georgios, Cappadocia’s Forgotten Church, to Reopen After 700 Years
Saint Georgios, a long-forgotten 13th-century Byzantine church tucked away in Türkiye’s Cappadocia region, is undergoing meticulous restoration and will reopen to visitors after 700 years. Hidden among the sun-scorched rock formations of Central Türkiye, in a quiet village far from the well-trodden tourist trails, a forgotten Byzantine church is preparing for a second life. Saint
9-Million-Year-Old Fossils of Elephants, Giraffes, and Rhinos Unearthed Together in Türkiye
A stunning fossil discovery in central Türkiye is offering a rare glimpse into the Miocene period’s megafauna. Excavations at the Çorakyerler Vertebrate Fossil Locality in Çankırı have revealed over 20 fossilized remains—including elephants, rhinos, and giraffes—all found within just two square meters of sediment. Led by a 15-member team, the 2025 excavation season has unearthed
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
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
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
1,500-Year-Old Baptistery Unearthed in Ancient City of Tyana
Ongoing excavations in the ancient city of Tyana, located in Kemerhisar town of Bor district in Niğde, Türkiye, continue to reveal stunning insights into the region’s rich historical heritage. The latest discovery is a remarkably well-preserved baptistery believed to be over 1,500 years old. Part of Türkiye’s “Heritage for the Future” Initiative Archaeological work at