Ancient fortress wall found in Türkiye’s Daskyleion protecting against invaders

A 2,700-year-old wall built by the Lydians to protect the ancient city of Daskyleion from attacks has been uncovered at the shores of Lake Manyas in Bandirma, Balikesir Province.

The discovery reveals a 137-meter-long (449.4 feet) wall dating back to the seventh century B.C., constructed to shield the city from Eastern enemies.

Excavation led by Professor Kaan Iren reveals ancient defenses

Excavations in Daskyleion, which began in 1954 and have been ongoing in recent years under the direction of Professor Kaan Iren from Mugla Sitki Kocman University, have uncovered remarkable evidence of the city’s defensive structures.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Provincial Governorship of Balikesir, and local municipalities, the excavations continue to offer crucial insights into the ancient civilization.

Lydian, Phrygian walls: Contrasting defenses in ancient Anatolia

The newly discovered wall, made of andesite and limestone, was built during the Lydian period to protect Daskyleion from enemy forces. The wall was found near a previous Phrygian defensive wall, further illustrating the historical layers of the site.

The Lydian wall, one of the best-preserved examples, is comparable to other ancient defensive walls found in Anatolia, particularly those in the Gordion Ancient City near Ankara.

The discovery is expected to contribute significantly to regional tourism, drawing attention to the architectural significance and history of the site.

Expert insights: Impressive height, construction techniques

Yesim Kirman, an archaeologist working on the excavation team, explained that the monumental wall was built to protect the city from enemies coming from the east. “The wall reaches a height of 5 meters in its well-preserved sections, and we estimate that the lower part of the wall extends at least 2 meters further underground,” she said.

Kirman also noted that the total height of the wall could exceed 7 meters, as the unexcavated sections are thought to continue at least 2 meters further. The construction of the wall includes enormous stone blocks, with some sections built in a stepped manner for reinforcement, and shows signs of repairs during the Middle Ages, indicating its continued use after its initial construction.

Rich history revealed at Daskyleion: Two civilizations, two different walls

The contrasting construction styles of the Phrygian and Lydian walls offer a unique opportunity to understand the historical evolution of Daskyleion. The Phrygian wall was made using smaller cut stones with a dry-stone technique on the outer face and a thicker, solid core made of rubble stones. In contrast, the Lydian wall is much larger and more imposing, constructed with massive stone blocks.

“From the southern view of the site, visitors can observe both the Lydian and Phrygian walls, which will help them understand the historical timeline of Daskyleion,” Kirman emphasized. The ongoing excavations continue to unearth more of this historically rich site, promising further revelations about its past.

Continued excavations promise more discoveries

The team is currently working on the 47th meter of the Lydian wall, with plans to continue digging down to reveal more about the height and structure of the wall. The excavation team’s efficiency and coordination have played a key role in the rapid progress of this important archaeological site. As Daskyleion’s history continues to unfold, it is becoming an increasingly important source of archaeological findings.

This discovery of a 2,700-year-old defensive wall at Daskyleion adds to the growing wealth of knowledge about ancient Anatolian civilizations and their efforts to defend their cities against external threats.