the claims of Turkey in the Aegean

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In light of unique mosaics in Zeugma ancient Hellenistic city in eastern Turkey

Even three unique mosaic art, and in excellent condition, unearthed by archaeologists in the city of Zeugma, in eastern Turkey. One mosaic depicts the Nine Muses, the second shows the Ocean and Tethys and the third a young man.

As he writes the Hurriyet Daily News, the place where it was found the mosaic floor with the Nine Muses named by archaeologists "House of Muses" . In the center is depicted around the Calliope and her sisters while clearly distinguish the names.

(The Tethys and Ocean) 

The presentation of the findings made ​​solemn by the mayor of the city of Gaziantep, Fatma Sahin, and the head of the excavation team Koutalmis Gkiorkai. The issue got big dimensions in Turkish media, not only because of the importance of the findings, but also for her. ..aprosexia the guests at the event, having stepped undisturbed mosaics. Starts maintenance In statements to reporters, Gkiorkai stressed that the work of scientists will focus on the protection and maintenance of fifidoton and for this purpose will place a special shelter.

"We estimate that the ancient city had around 2,000-3,000 homes. Twenty-five of these structures remain under water. Research in 'House of the Muses' will be completed next year, "he said. According to him, the amount of funding the excavations at Zeugma indexed annually. However, from 2005 to date has been allocated approximately 7 million. Turkey pounds, almost 2.5 mil. Euro. The Zeugma Zeugma -which many have called "second Pompeii" - was founded in 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator in, one of the successors of Alexander the Great, and prospered because of its location in the commercial Silk Road, near the banks of the Euphrates. In 2000 there was an international mobilization to not implement government projects and submerged ancient city ​​in the waters of the Euphrates. The mobilization is not paid off and finally the Turkish government launched the dam Biretsik, so most of the ancient city to be covered by water.

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11 NOVEMBER, 2014 - 22:20 LIZLEAFLOOR

Unknown ancient god with astral symbols discovered on stele at cult site in Turkey

An unidentified, ancient bearded god with astral symbols has been uncovered during an excavation of a sanctuary near the ancient city of Doliche in Southeast Turkey.

The excavation team of 60 researchers and archaeologists from University of Münster and Germany’s Cluster of Excellence has been investigating a 2,000-year-old cult site. The sanctuary’s grounds reveal much about the continuity of religious beliefs over time, as it is made up of various constructions and renovations of different time periods – from a wall from the Iron Age, and the Roman-age foundations from 2nd century A.D., through to its use as a Christian monastery in the time of the crusades. The excavation has revealed finds from all periods of the site’s history, now including a basalt stele featuring a unique Roman relief and depicting an unknown god.

Stele featuring the unknown god. Credit: Peter Jülich, ReligionundPolitik

The stele measures one and a half meters (five feet) and was being used as a buttress in a wall of the Christian monastery on the sanctuary site. Archaeologists suspect the image represents a fertility or vegetation god. AlphaGalileo quotes Dr. Michael Blömer from the Cluster of Excellence, describing the find, “The basalt stele shows a deity growing from a chalice of leaves. Its long stem rises from a cone that is ornamented with astral symbols. From the sides of the cone grow a long horn and a tree, which the deity clasps with his right hand. The pictorial elements suggest that a fertility god is depicted.” The beard composition and arm posture echo back to similar Iron Age depictions.

Excavation director Prof. Dr. Engelbert said of the find in Southeast Turkey, “The image is remarkably well preserved. It provides valuable insights into the beliefs of the Romans and into the continued existence of ancient Near Eastern traditions. However, extensive research is necessary before we will be able to accurately identify the deity,” reports Heritage Daily.

Ruins at the site of the Christian monastery of St. Solomon. Credit: Peter Jülich, ReligionundPolitik

Archaeological work will continue as the site is being prepared to make the sanctuary accessible to the public.

Featured Image: Basalt stele revealed during excavations in Southeast Turkey. Credit: Asia Minor Research Centre

By Liz Leafloor