Excavations resume at Istanbul’s Bathonea ancient city

Archeological excavations in the ancient city of Bathonea, a site that dates back to the eighth and 11th centuries, have begun once again this year, uncovering remarkable finds that span from Viking relics to traces of an Umayyad siege.

This summer, a team of researchers, led by Professor Şengül Aydıngül, resumed excavations at the site located in Istanbul's Avcilar district, focusing on what was once a customs building, a structure that holds more than just economic significance.

Aydıngül and her team have found evidence suggesting the building was destroyed in 680 A.D. during an Umayyad attack on Istanbul.

"Discovering the first signs of this siege here has been a breakthrough," she explained. "It adds a new dimension to our understanding of the region's history."

Bathonea has long been recognized for its archeological importance, earning a spot on the "Top Ten of the World's Most Important Archeological Discoveries" list. Since digging began in 2009, the site has revealed layers of history that show traces of earthquakes and early Christian symbols, including a Viking amber cross and an Ouroboros necklace, symbolizing Ragnar Lodbrok — artifacts that connect Bathonea to the broader narrative of early European history.

We are working in an area where various cultures have converged over millennia. Our ongoing excavations have revealed structures that date back at least 200 years and are expected to yield more valuable information," said Professor Ömer Faruk Çelik, the vice-rector of Kocaeli University.

The team, comprising international and local experts, including those from Poland, has been working over the summer to explore the site more deeply. "The collaboration of archaeologists from Poland and Türkiye is a...