Sunday, September 14 2025
5,000-Year-Old Evidence of Charcoal-Based Medicine and Ancient Antibiotic Resistance Unearthed in Zonguldak’s İnönü Cave

Anatolian News . Eastern Anatolia

5,000-Year-Old Evidence of Charcoal-Based Medicine and Ancient Antibiotic Resistance Unearthed in Zonguldak’s İnönü Cave

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A groundbreaking interdisciplinary study led by archaeologists and microbiologists from Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) has revealed that prehistoric communities in northern Türkiye were using charcoal for medicinal purposes 5,000 years ago. The same project also traced the origins of antibiotic resistance genes back more than 6,000 years, challenging assumptions that resistance emerged solely due

Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,700-year-old Roman bathhouse in a field in the village of Salkaya, located in Elazığ province in eastern Turkey. The discovery, which was made possible through ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and systematic excavations, offers valuable insights into the region’s Roman past and is believed to have belonged to an elite social class of the Late Roman Empire. The bath complex includes cold, warm, and hot rooms, a hypocaust (underfloor heating system), sweat rooms, pools, and both fresh and wastewater channels. With its advanced engineering and well-preserved structure, experts say the bathhouse stands out as one of the most significant Roman-era discoveries in the region. From Mosaic to Monument: Signs of an Ancient Settlement The initial clue to the area's rich history emerged in 2023 when a local farmer digging to plant cherry trees stumbled upon a colorful Roman floor mosaic adorned with animal figures. Following this discovery, researchers conducted GPR scans in the surrounding area and identified the outline of a larger structure just 70 meters to the south. Excavations in 2024 confirmed the presence of a Roman bath complex covering approximately 75 square meters. This finding has expanded the archaeological significance of the area and sparked renewed interest in its ancient urban layout. "We Believe This Was a Roman Settlement" Ahmet Demirdağ, Director of Culture and Tourism for Elazığ Province, emphasized the importance of the discovery: “The architectural features and technical complexity of the bathhouse indicate that it was used by members of the upper class. This find strongly suggests that the area was once a Roman settlement. We have now registered 30 acres of land for further exploration.” Demirdağ added that ongoing excavations aim to uncover more structures from the same period, further enriching the region's cultural heritage. A First for Elazığ Lead archaeologist Emre Çayır highlighted that this is the first Roman bathhouse of its kind discovered within Elazığ’s borders. “The hypocaust heating system, the well-preserved layout of hot, warm, and cold rooms, and the use of basalt and limestone blocks all point to advanced Roman engineering. It’s remarkable that such a structure was hidden beneath agricultural land for so long.” According to Çayır, the site offers not only architectural value but also deep insights into the public health practices, water culture, and daily life of Roman society in Anatolia.

Ancient Roman Bathhouse Discovered Beneath Farmland in Eastern Anatolia

Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,700-year-old Ancient Roman bathhouse in a field in the village of Salkaya, located in Elazığ province in eastern Anatolia. The discovery, which was made possible through ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and systematic excavations, offers valuable insights into the region’s Roman past and is believed to have belonged to an elite social class

İspeçkır Stele

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

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

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

Illegal Excavation in Türkiye’s Tokat Uncovers Rare Roman Mosaic

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

Byzantine-Era Child and Adult Burials Unearthed in Turkey’s Ancient City of Herakleia

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

Apollo Temple

Apollo Temple in Didim Opens for Night Visits: A Journey Through Ancient Prophecies After Sunset

One of the ancient world’s most mystical and awe-inspiring landmarks, the Temple of Apollo in Didim, Türkiye, is now open for nighttime visits. As part of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Heritage for the Future” initiative, the ancient prophecy center has been illuminated to offer visitors a truly unique experience under the stars.

‘Star Watcher’ Figurine Found in Gedikkaya Cave Could Rewrite Human History

‘Star Watcher’ Figurine Found in Gedikkaya Cave Could Rewrite Human History

Archaeological excavations carried out between 2019 and 2023 in Gedikkaya Cave, located in Bilecik Province, northwest Türkiye, have uncovered groundbreaking evidence that could reshape the narrative of early human settlement. Among the remarkable discoveries is a marble figurine known as the “Star Watcher,” which is believed to date back to the Chalcolithic period (5500–3500 BCE)

Termessos Ancient City

Excavations Begin at Termessos, the City Alexander the Great Refused to Attack: Ancient Monumental Tomb Will Be Unearthed

Nestled within the Güllük Dağı National Park in Antalya, Türkiye, the ancient city of Termessos is now witnessing a significant historical moment. For the first time, official archaeological excavations have begun in this remarkably well-preserved site. The project, jointly conducted by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Antalya Bilim University, aims to unearth

Historic Ani Cathedral

Historic Ani Cathedral Under Restoration: Reopening as a Mosque Under Consideration

One of Kars’ most significant cultural heritage sites, the Ani Cathedral (Surp Asdvadzadzin), is undergoing extensive restoration. Upon completion, authorities are considering opening the historic structure to visitors as a mosque. Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ani Archaeological Zone, the cathedral was built in the late 10th century during the rule of

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