Revolutionary discovery sheds light on mysterious Kaska community in Türkiye
Aerial view of the entrance of Inonu Cave, Zonguldak, Türkiye, 2024. (Photo via Inonu Cave Excavations)
In groundbreaking archaeological research, a team from Bulent Ecevit University (BEUN) has uncovered what may be the first-ever evidence of the elusive Kaska community (Kaskians).
The discovery was made during excavations at the Inonu Cave in Karadeniz Eregli, Zonguldak, shedding light on a group long described in Hittite texts but never before identified archaeologically.
Associate Professor Hamza Ekmen, head of the excavation team and faculty member at BEUN‘s archaeology department, announced: “We believe we have uncovered the first archaeological traces of the Kaska people, a community lost to history for centuries.”
Discovery rooted in Late Bronze Age
Excavations at Inonu Cave initiated in 2017, have revealed five distinct archaeological layers, the oldest dating back 6,500 years. Among these layers, the third—dated to approximately 3,200 years ago—yielded findings linked to the Kaska community.
These findings belong to the Late Bronze Age and align with the period frequently referenced in Hittite cuneiform tablets.
The Kaska people are often depicted in Hittite records as forest-dwelling groups from the mountainous northern regions, operating independently of any centralized political authority. Archaeologists have speculated about their location and cultural practices for over a century, but no definitive archaeological evidence had surfaced—until now.
“The third layer contains artifacts that we believe belong to the Kaska people. These findings are significant, as they represent the first material connection to a group shrouded in mystery,” Ekmen said.
9 years of excavations yield breakthrough results
The team has completed nine excavation seasons since the project began. According to Ekmen, the oldest layer, dating back 6,500 years, represents the first inhabitants of the cave. However, the focus of the recent discovery lies in the third layer, linked to the Kaska people.
“Hittite texts frequently mention the Kaska people, describing them as living in the northern mountainous and forested regions, outside of Hittite political control. For years, archaeologists have searched for evidence of their culture and settlements without success. This discovery marks a significant step forward in understanding the Kaska community,” Ekmen explained.
Lost chapter of Anatolia’s history
The discovery at Inonu Cave offers a rare glimpse into the lives of a community long considered a missing piece of Anatolia’s rich historical tapestry. With this breakthrough, archaeologists hope to uncover more about the Kaska’s way of life, cultural practices, and interactions with the Hittite Empire.
This significant find highlights the continued importance of Türkiye’s archaeological sites in rewriting ancient history.
Who were Kaska people?
The Kaska people, also known as Kaska or Kascalars, were a Pontic tribe located in the northern part of Anatolia (modern-day Türkiye), near the mouth of the Kizil Irmak River. They were frequently in conflict with the Hittite Empire and were known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, likely forming a loose confederation of settlements in the mountainous areas.
The Kaska first appeared in history during the reign of Hattusili I (1,590–1,560 B.C.), when they invaded Hittite territories, including the sacred city of Nerik. Despite numerous incursions, the Kaska were never able to establish a permanent occupation beyond the region surrounding Nerik, which was a vital crossing point between Kaska and Hittite lands.
During the reign of Tudhaliya, the Kaska led a major invasion, which contributed to the temporary occupation of Hattusa, the Hittite capital, around 1380 B.C. However, they failed to maintain control.
Throughout Hittite history, especially during the reign of King Mursili II (1,321–1,295 B.C.), significant military campaigns were launched against the Kaska. Mursili even recorded the presence of a Kaska leader named Pihuniya, a remarkable figure in Kaska history. These campaigns marked an ongoing struggle between the Hittites and the Kaska, with occasional peace treaties signed between the two parties, such as those during the reign of King Arnuwanda I.
At the fall of the Hittite Empire around 1,200 B.C., the Kaska joined forces with other invaders, including the Sea Peoples and the Phrygians. Afterward, they vanish from the historical record, primarily known through Hittite texts. It wasn’t until the reign of the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser I (1,112–1,072 B.C.) that they were mentioned once more in relation to military conflict. Their final mention comes from around 700 B.C. during the reign of Assyrian King Sargon II, who fought against them.
With this discovery, the Kaska people’s elusive presence in history is beginning to be uncovered, providing new insight into their role in ancient Anatolia.
