JUST IN

Groundbreaking archaeological discoveries in Turkiye in 2024

by | Jan 15, 2025 | Lifestyle, News, Travel, World

Turkiye, which has recently made a splash in archaeological circles worldwide with groundbreaking discoveries, continues to unveil significant findings through year-round excavations, revealing traces of life from thousands of years ago.

The number of archaeological studies in the country, which first increased to 720 in 2023, has already risen to 765 in 2024, with plans to reach 800 by 2026. Dubbed the Golden Age of Archaeology, 2024 has also been especially remarkable, yielding significant finds from various corners of Anatolia.

Here is a curated list of Turkiye’s most astounding archaeological discoveries of the year.

4,000-year-old seal in Kutahya: The first example of faience cylinder seals from the Assyrian Trade Colonies period, previously unearthed only in major trade centres in Central Anatolia such as Kultepe and Acemhoyuk, has been discovered in Western Anatolia at Tavşanlı Mound in Kutahya. This approximately 4,000-year-old seal provides evidence of new trade routes between the east and west of Anatolia.

Minoan dagger in Antalya: During underwater excavations conducted in the Kumluca district of Antalya, a Minoan-style bronze dagger with silver rivets has been found at a depth of 50 metres. The dagger, preserved under a pillow-shaped copper ingot, was previously unrevealed only in the Minoan Civilisation on the island of Crete.

7800-year-old female figurine in İzmir: A female figure dating back to 5800-5900 BC has been unearthed during the Ulucak Mound excavation in the Kemalpaşa district of the western province of İzmir. The 7800-year-old figurine has a marked mouth, making archaeologists believe it represents a storyteller woman.

First Millefiori panels in Antalya: At the Andriake port settlement of Myra ancient city, in Antalya’s Demre district, archaeologists have unearthed many stunning interior decoration panels crafted using the ancient ‘Millefiori’ (meaning thousand flowers) technique, a glasswork method which produces distinctive patterns resembling flowers. Except for one or two small pieces, this is the first time these luxury decoration materials have been uncovered in Turkiye.

Ancient shopping list of furniture in Hatay: A well-preserved cuneiform script from the Bronze Age has been found amidst the ruins of the Accana Mound in Hatay. The tablet, written in the ancient Akkadian language, has been identified as a shopping list of extensive furniture purchases, including many tables, chairs, and stools, probably issued by a king. It shows the development of the furniture craft during the Bronze Age and the prosperity and wealth the Bronze Kingdom of Mukish gained due to its strategic position here.

Urartian military equipment in Van: Excavations at Ayanis Castle in Van’s Tuşba district have revealed the richness and level of craftsmanship achieved by Urartu metalwork. Among the artefacts found at the temple complex, dedicated to Haldi, one of the three chief deities of the Urartu Kingdom, are three bronze shields dating to the first half of the 7th century BC, one helmet featuring religious depictions and a large vessel.

Ancient Zeus head in Aydin: A colossal head of Zeus, carved in relief as part of an architectural console, has been discovered at the ancient city of Aphrodisias in Aydin. It was made from a single block of medium-grained Aphrodisias marble, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The exquisite drill work in the hair and beard attributes the head to a high-level Aphrodisias sculpture workshop.

Apollo altar in Antalya: In the ancient city of Phaselis, located in Antalya’s Kemer district, an altar structure believed to have been dedicated to Apollo has been discovered, along with male and lion statues dating back to the 7th-6th centuries BC and small votive figurines. The sculptures and figurines found in this sacred area’s altar structure are rare in Anatolia, especially when considered as a whole, along with the structure in which they were discovered.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

ancient-Zeus-in-Aydin.jpg

SEARCH 

ADVERTISEMENT 

OUR CATEGORIES