Southern walls unearthed at Türkiye’s 3,000-year-old Zerzevan Castle

A treasure trove of Roman history emerges as excavations at Zerzevan Castle in Diyarbakir reveal ancient southern walls and unlock secrets of a unique Mithras temple.

Zerzevan Castle, a 3,000-year-old military settlement from the Roman era located 13 kilometers (8.07 miles) from Diyarbakir’s Cinar district, continues to attract global attention. Known for hosting the world’s last Mithras temple, the castle stands as a prominent symbol of Türkiye’s historical and archaeological significance.

Featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, this ancient site offers visitors a journey through time.

Among its structures are remnants of a 1,200-meter-long defensive wall, a 21-meter-high watchtower, underground churches, secret passageways, water channels, and a rare Mithras temple that lost its prominence in the 4th century after the rise of Christianity.

Ongoing excavations at Zerzevan Castle shed new light

Excavations, which began in 2014 under the leadership of Professor Aytac Coskun, have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, with significant discoveries made in 2023. Coskun, the head of the project, emphasized the importance of the Mithras temple, stating:

The discoveries here are rewriting the history of the region and Diyarbakir. This year, we have unveiled sections of the southern walls, revealing their immense scale and Roman engineering expertise.

The southern and eastern walls, previously buried under layers of soil, are now being meticulously excavated and restored. The walls, standing 15 meters high and up to 3.5 meters thick, exemplify the robust fortifications of Roman architecture.

Preservation efforts parallel discoveries

Highlighting the importance of preservation, Coskun noted:

While excavations uncover the past, conservation ensures its future. Our efforts combine both. This year, we prioritized the southern tower and church. Next, we’ll focus on the arsenal, underground church, and Mithras sanctuary.

Coskun revealed that only 10% of the site has been excavated to date, with plans to reach 30% within five years. The ongoing work is expected to continue for decades, promising thousands of additional discoveries.

Unmatched Roman artifacts

Zerzevan Castle has yielded artifacts that are unparalleled worldwide, offering rare insights into the social and military life of the Roman period. Coskun emphasized the global importance of these findings:

The collection here is significant not only for Türkiye but also for Roman archaeology. These artifacts narrate stories of ancient life, from soldiers’ quarters to sacred underground spaces.

As Zerzevan Castle unveils more of its secrets, its status as a cultural and historical beacon grows. Visitors from around the globe flock to this ancient military settlement, eager to witness the unfolding story of a once-thriving Roman stronghold in Türkiye.