Groundbreaking archaeological discoveries shaping Türkiye’s rich history in 2024
Editor-Archaeologist Koray Erdogan at Tavsanli Hoyuk in Kutahya, Türkiye, 2024. (Photo via Koray Erdogan's archive)
Türkiye, a historic crossroads of civilizations, has once again captivated historians and archaeologists with its extraordinary archaeological revelations throughout 2024. From the Hittites to the Romans, this land continues to be a vibrant canvas of human achievement and cultural exchange.
The year 2024 has unveiled groundbreaking discoveries that offer profound insights into Türkiye’s ancient heritage. Among these are newly unearthed artifacts shedding light on the daily lives of ancient Anatolians, awe-inspiring structures that reveal advanced engineering skills, and evidence of complex cultural interactions that shaped the course of history.
Each archaeological find not only deepens our understanding of the past but also reaffirms Türkiye’s position as a treasure trove of unparalleled significance. These revelations bring us closer to unraveling the intricate narrative of human civilization, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of those who came before us.
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on these monumental findings that continue to enrich the story of Anatolia and the world. Join us on a journey through Türkiye’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries of 2024—a year that will surely be remembered for its contributions to the study of human history.
Let’s take closer look at archaeological discoveries that made headlines in 2024:
Infant skeletons in ancient Savatra’s clay pots
Excavations at the ancient city of Savatra in Konya revealed infant skeletons inside clay pots, offering new insights into the burial rituals during the Early Roman Empire and Late Antiquity. This rare practice, possibly tied to religious rituals, was discovered by an excavation team led by Associate Professor Ilker Isik of Selcuk University.
The discovery of animal remains, including dog skulls and other animals like foxes, cattle, and donkeys, adds complexity to the understanding of these ancient practices.
450,000-year-old artifacts found at Ulukoy Cave
In Mardin’s Gurs Valley, archaeologists discovered artifacts dating back 450,000 years, shedding light on the Paleolithic Age. The excavation, led by Mardin Artuklu University, unearthed Yabrudian stone tools and bones, revealing cultural connections between Southeast Anatolia and Africa.
The site’s findings mark a significant addition to Northern Mesopotamia’s prehistoric record.
Byzantine protective tablet at Silifke Castle
A Byzantine protective tablet was uncovered at Silifke Castle in Mersin during excavations led by Professor Ali Boran.
The tablet, believed to protect buildings and graves from evil, adds a fascinating layer to the history of the region and its long-standing cultural traditions of protective practices.
Millefiori glass panels in Myra
In a groundbreaking discovery at Andriake, part of Myra in Antalya, archaeologists uncovered Millefiori glass panels dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries A.D.
This find highlights the luxurious artistry of the time and reflects the artistic heritage of the region. These panels, with their intricate floral designs, were once used in the decoration of public and private spaces.
Bronze shields, helmet at Ayanis Fortress
At Ayanis Fortress in Van, excavations revealed three bronze shields and one helmet, estimated to be 2,700 years old.
The artifacts, discovered in a chamber likely untouched by ancient earthquakes, provide valuable insights into the metalworking skills of the Urartians and their ceremonial practices.
64,000-year-old workshop found at Inkaya Cave
In the Inkaya Cave in Canakkale, a 64,000-year-old workshop was discovered, providing crucial evidence of early human craftsmanship.
The site, continuously occupied for 24,000 years, reveals stone tools that were used for making essential tools, offering insight into the daily lives and migration patterns of ancient humans.
Karahantepe’s hidden relics: Leopard bones and fire pits in Sanliurfa reveal Neolithic mysteries
At the Karahantepe excavation site in Sanliurfa, Türkiye, numerous animal bones, including those of leopards, wolves, vultures, and foxes, were uncovered. The fossils, discovered during the 2024 dig season led by Professor Necmi Karul, offer valuable insights into the Neolithic ecosystems and practices of the region, showcasing early animal species and the possible ritualistic significance of these creatures.
The discovery of numerous fire pits and stone vessels adds further understanding of communal life and culinary practices during the Neolithic era.
Prehistoric elephant bones in Cankiri—9 million years ago
In Cankiri, prehistoric elephant bones dating back 9 million years were uncovered. The fossils, found during excavations led by Professor Ayla Sevim Erol, provide insights into the ancient ecosystems of Türkiye, showcasing early elephant species and other prehistoric animals like giraffes and saber-toothed cats.
Roman gladiator tomb at Ayasuluk Hill
At Ayasuluk Hill in Izmir, a Roman gladiator tomb dating back to the third century B.C. was uncovered, revealing 12 skeletons.
The tomb was later reused in the fifth century A.D. and contains inscriptions, mosaics, and other artifacts that shed light on the burial customs and historical context of early Ephesus.
84-square-meter mosaic found in Elazig
In Elazig, an 84-square-meter mosaic from the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods was discovered by a local farmer while planting saplings.
The mosaic, depicting animals and plants in intricate geometric patterns, adds to the rich archaeological record of Türkiye’s past.
Neolithic-era human skulls unearthed in Türkiye’s Sefertepe
A significant discovery in Sefertepe, Sanliurfa, Türkiye, has unveiled a Neolithic human skull, offering new insights into burial customs of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period.
The excavation, led by Assoc. Prof. Emre Guldogan of Istanbul University is part of the “Tas Tepeler” project. The skull, nearly intact except for its lower jaw, was found placed in a niche, suggesting it was displayed before burial. This find, alongside similar discoveries in Karahantepe and Sayburc, enhances an understanding of early burial rituals in Upper Mesopotamia.
War tools discovered at Sardis, site of the Battle of Thymbra
Archaeologists at the ancient city of Sardis in Manisa, Türkiye, have uncovered relics from the Battle of Thymbra, a crucial conflict that led to the Persian invasion of Lydia. The findings include weapons such as spears, swords, and arrowheads, along with the skeleton of a soldier holding a stone, possibly a slingstone.
The soldier’s remains show sword wounds, indicating a defeat for the Lydia army, providing new insights into ancient warfare and the Persian Empire’s military impact.
14,500-year-old burial structure unearthed in Direkli Cave
Excavations in Direkli Cave, Kahramanmaras, Türkiye, have uncovered a 14,500-year-old rectangular burial site. Unlike typical round graves, this burial is surrounded by stone blocks, with the body laid in a linear orientation.
The find, led by Associate Professor Merih Cevdet Erek, offers valuable insights into the burial practices of ancient societies in the region.
Bust of theater builder found in Prusias ad Hypium
A recent excavation in Prusias ad Hypium, Duzce, Türkiye, has uncovered a bust of M. Iulius Proklos, believed to be the person who commissioned the construction of the city’s Roman theater.
The 1,800-year-old bust reflects the style of the Antonine period, featuring detailed hair and a beard, shedding light on the architectural and cultural significance of the city under Roman rule.
12,000-year-old burial of possible shaman unearthed in Cemka Hoyuk
A groundbreaking find in Cemka Hoyuk, Mardin, Türkiye, has revealed a 12,000-year-old burial believed to belong to a female shaman. The burial contained various animal bones, including an aurochs skull and partridge wing, suggesting the individual’s ceremonial role.
This discovery provides insights into early spiritual practices and gender roles during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A period.
Monumental Zeus head unearthed in Aphrodisias
A monumental Zeus head has been discovered in Aphrodisias, Aydin, Türkiye. The sculpture, dating to the Roman Imperial period, features intricate details, including remnants of original paint.
This discovery highlighted the artistic excellence of Roman portraiture and the cultural significance of Aphrodisias as a major ancient city.
Granikos Battlefield of Alexander the Great identified in Türkiye
The exact site of the Granikos Battlefield, where Alexander the Great defeated the Persian Empire in 334 B.C., has been identified near the Granikos River in Biga Plain, Türkiye.
This significant discovery sheds light on one of history’s most influential battles, with plans to turn the area into a major tourist destination as part of the “Alexander the Great Cultural Route.”
Historic sarcophagus discovery at St. Nicholas Church
A sarcophagus has been uncovered at the St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Antalya, Türkiye, sparking debates about its potential connection to St. Nicholas, the inspiration of Santa Claus.
The discovery, led by Assoc. Prof. Ebru Fatma Findik, features a limestone sarcophagus with regional burial characteristics, offering insights into early Christian history.
Hidden actor rooms discovered in Roman theater at Prusias ad Hypium
In an exclusive report first revealed by Türkiye Today, excavations at the Roman theater in Prusias ad Hypium, Duzce, Türkiye, have revealed hidden rooms used for dressing and storage.
These discoveries enhance understanding of the theater’s operational structure and cultural significance. With plans for an archaeological park, the site is set to become a major tourist attraction.
2024 has been a year of extraordinary archaeological discoveries in Türkiye, showcasing the depth and diversity of its ancient past. From infant skeletons in clay pots to monumental mosaics, these findings offer invaluable glimpses into the rituals, lifestyles, and craftsmanship of ancient civilizations.
As excavations continue, the revelations from 2024 will undoubtedly continue to shape our understanding of the history and cultural heritage of this fascinating region.
