Extension of Byzantine-era harbor discovered

Construction of a road in Istanbul's Yenikap? area has unearthed an extension of the Byzantine-era Theodosius harbor. An L-shaped structure might have been the breakwater of the harbor, scholars sayAn extension of the Theodosius Harbor has been discovered during the construction of a linking road at Yenikap? Square as part of the Eurasia Tunnel, with some expert surmising that it might have acted as a breakwater.

Archaeological excavations at the Eurasia Tunnel have been continuing under the inspection of the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. 

The best known harbor of the Byzantine era, the Theodosius Harbor, was discovered during archaeological excavations initiated by the Istanbul Archaeology Museums in 2004 in Yenikap? for the Marmaray and metro stations. 

Thirty-six shipwrecks and thousands of cultural artifacts were found in the harbor excavations, while the Neolithic findings proved that Istanbul's recorded history stretched back 8,500 years. Only some parts of the Theodosius Harbor, however, were found during the Marmaray and metro excavations despite information that the extent of the harbor were larger. Both the lighthouse and the breakwater of the harbor have yet to be discovered.

The excavations, which are being conducted under the road that connects Aksaray to the coast, have already revealed the foundations of 18th- and 19th-century Ottoman architecture. Scholars believe that the structures were constructed on top of the Theodosius Harbor after the port was filled it. Similar architectural structures have been found during previous excavations at Yenikap?. 

Museum officials said that after the removal of the architectural findings, new wrecks may come to light.

A nearly five-meter-wide and L...