Top 10 archaeological discoveries in 2023 in Anatolia

As 2023 nears its end, archaeologists working in ancient cities all around Anatolia made significant discoveries throughout the year. According to archaeology magazine Arkeofili editors, the most exciting archaeological discoveries in Türkiye in 2023 are as follows:

1. Boar statue in Göbeklitepe

The first life-sized painted wild boar statue made of limestone has been recently unearthed during the excavations, led by Professor Necmi Karul in Göbeklitepe in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa, which is considered the "zero point of history" with its 12,000 years of history. The artwork, on which red, white and black pigment residues can be seen, is the first painted sculpture from that period.

2. An unusual grave in Burdur

Archaeologists working in the ancient city of Sagalassos in the southern province of Burdur have found a non-normative Roman tomb dating back approximately 1,900 years and some materials indicating magical practices. Officials said the tomb stands out with its unusual features. Many burnt bone remains and some goods belonging to a single individual were found in the tomb. According to the archaeologists in the excavation team, the location of the bones shows that the body was burned inside the grave. This is considered an unusual discovery, as cremation practices are usually carried out outside the grave. Osteological analysis shows that the bones found in the grave belong to a man over the age of 18.

3. Temple dedicated to Anatolian Goddess Kubaba in Osmaniye

The ruins of an approximately 2,500-year-old temple, thought to be dedicated to the goddess Kubaba, were unearthed in the ancient city of Kastabala in the southern province of Osmaniye. Kastabala,...