Türkiye’s ancient Nysa: Discovery of 1,000-year-old tombs reveals tragic past
Some of the 47 tombs, about 1,000 years old, at the ancient city of Nysa, located between two valleys at the foot of the Aydin Mountains in Sultanhisar district of Aydin, Türkiye, August 5, 2024 (AA Photo)
Excavations at the ancient city of Nysa in Aydin, Türkiye have uncovered 47 tombs dating back approximately 1,000 years.
Led by professor Serdar Hakan Oztaner from Ankara University, the dig has revealed that a significant number of these tombs are those of infants and children, indicating the presence of an epidemic and challenging living conditions in the 11th century.
Exciting discoveries at ancient site
Nysa, renowned for its Akharaka Temple and one of Anatolia’s best-preserved libraries, is being excavated under the direction of Oztaner.
Known for its educational and cultural significance during the Roman period, the ancient city continues to provide new insights through ongoing restoration and excavation efforts.
Significance of tombs and road findings
The newly discovered tombs, which date back to the 11th century, predominantly contain the remains of young individuals.
This discovery suggests that the city faced severe challenges during this period.
Additionally, archaeologists have uncovered a major road that was in use until the seventh century, buried due to earthquakes.
Notable finds and ongoing research
Among the notable finds is an ornate burial chamber containing a coin with a piece of textile adhered to it.
This textile, believed to be made from flax, suggests that the buried individual was a woman in her forties, possibly involved in weaving. The preservation of the textile and its interaction with the coin has been crucial for dating the tombs to the 11th century.
Historical significance of road
The discovered road connected Nysa to a major route running from Ephesus through Magnesia and Tralleis, highlighting its importance as a key thoroughfare. The road’s length exceeded 1 kilometer, with current excavation focused on a 100-meter section.
The recent discoveries at the ancient city of Nysa offer valuable insights into the city’s past, shedding light on the challenges faced by its inhabitants.
As excavations continue, further details about the ancient city’s history and its impact on the region are expected to emerge.
