Illegal Excavation in Türkiye’s Tokat Uncovers Rare Roman Mosaic

An illegal excavation in the Zile district of Tokat province has led to the unexpected discovery of a colorful Roman-era mosaic, shedding new light on the region’s rich and ancient history. Archaeologists believe the intricately designed floor mosaic may have once adorned a public building during the Roman period.

Tokat is known as one of Anatolia’s oldest settled regions, hosting civilizations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, and Romans. This latest discovery adds another significant layer to its archaeological narrative.

Mosaic Reveals Symbols of Prosperity and Peace

Experts report that the mosaic includes vivid green, yellow, blue, and white tiles, and features inscriptions referencing “abundance, prosperity, peace, and well-being.” Such inscriptions strongly suggest that the mosaic was part of a public or communal space, such as a marketplace, military facility, or administrative hall.

Halis Alıcı, an archaeologist from the Yağıbasan Medrese Museum of Turkish-Islamic Science History, shared:

“When we look at Tokat’s past, we see that the Hittites and Phrygians settled here first. Then the Romans came later. This is a very ancient region with a settlement history that some studies suggest may go back hundreds of thousands of years — possibly even around 900,000 years. But this is based on archaeological findings in the wider area, not necessarily continuous urban settlement. We know many civilizations left their marks here, such as in Erbaa Horoztepe and Maşat Höyük. The mosaic found in Zile, uncovered during illegal excavations, once again points to the Roman period. Based on the images and my expertise, I think this mosaic likely belonged to a public building.”

Preservation Measures Taken Amid Looting Concerns

Although the mosaic was revealed through unauthorized digging, local authorities acted swiftly to secure the site. Currently, the artifact is being protected with tarpaulin and temporary coverings until formal rescue excavations begin.

Illegal excavations continue to threaten Türkiye’s vast archaeological wealth, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heritage preservation and regulation enforcement.

A Region Steeped in Civilizations

Tokat has long been a focal point for archaeologists. Significant finds from sites like Horoztepe and Maşat Höyük have previously brought international attention. This new discovery in Zile is now poised to join the list of landmark findings illuminating life in ancient Anatolia.

Cover Photo: IHA