Greco-Roman Necropolis From Northern Turkey Reveals a ‘Sarcophagi Avenue’!

Excavations in a Greco-Roman period necropolis from the ancient city of Tios, in northern Turkey, marks the culmination of a three-year archaeological dig, aimed at significant revitalization of the area. So far, 96 sarcophagi, 23 chamber tombs, seven cist graves, 60 tile graves, and 1,317 inventory items have been uncovered, with the archaeologists noting that Tios retains its unique status as the only ancient city in the Black Sea region that remains unencumbered by modern settlements!

Unparalleled Necropolis: A Planned Cemetery

Located in Zonguldak’s Filyos town within the Çaycuma district of northern Turkey, the dig has been spearheaded by Professor Şahin Yıldırım, chair of the department of art history at Bartin University. He’s been aided by a dedicated team of 44 individuals actively involved in the excavation process. Yıldırım emphasized the unprecedented nature of the necropolis area, unparalleled by any other ancient city in the region.

He explains in a quote from Daily Sabah:

“In the initial work done in this area, which we can also call the eastern necropolis of Tios, we encountered a vast necropolis area stretching from the late fifth century BC to the fifth century AD. The primary identity of this necropolis in the city dates back to the first and third centuries AD, that is, to the Roman period. We see that this area was constructed as a planned cemetery. The word necropolis means ‘city of the dead.’ We have seen that the cemetery here was created with a structure consisting of streets, alleys and terraces, just like a city.”

Roman necropolis area at the ancient city of Tios under excavation. (Anadolu Agency)

He was referring to the uncovering of a 500-meter (1,640.42 feet) long street lined with sarcophagi on both sides. They found chamber tombs on the slopes and ridges, which they believe belonged to wealthier individuals of that era. The sarcophagus areas, dating back to the second and third centuries AD, yielded numerous artifacts cataloged at the Karadeniz Ereğli Museum Directorate.

“To date, no such necropolis examples of this scale have been encountered in any ancient city in the Black Sea region. This area holds a very important place for Turkey and Black Sea archaeology,” added Yıldırım.

Poorly Defended Roman Outpost

Yıldırım pointed out the absence of wall systems in Black Sea cities during the Roman period, which led to frequent plundering and sudden captures. The team observed evidence of looting in the necropolis, particularly during the Gothic invasions. Valuable items were taken, and the Romans subsequently restored the graves and continued to use the necropolis. This observation provided crucial data for understanding the historical context in which these finds were located.

The excavation also uncovered human skeletons in the graves, which initial anthropological research suggests might belong to related individuals. Inscriptions found in some chamber tombs indicated familial connections among those buried there.

Additionally, Yıldırım noted that some chamber tombs were repurposed by the Byzantines in the sixth century AD, revealing tombs, tombstones, and inscriptions linked to affluent Roman families, reports The Heritage Daily.

Highlighting the significance of the finds, Yıldırım articulated that:

“Findings, tombstones and inscriptions indicating that a significant portion of the inhabitants of this city in the time of Emperor Marcus Aurelius gained the right to be Roman imperial citizens have been discovered. We came across graves thought to belong to Roman soldiers.”

Existing Roman ruins at Tios. (Suzi/Adobe Stock)

The Ancient City of Tios: Founded by Greek Colonists

The ancient city of Tios, also known as Tium or Filyos, was founded by Greek colonists, believed to be from Miletus, around the 7th century BC. The story of its foundation is intertwined with the broader narrative of Greek colonization, where cities along the coastlines of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea were established as trade and cultural hubs.

According to historical accounts, Tios was named after Tios, a priest of the goddess Cybele, who is said to have established the initial settlement. The city’s strategic location on the coast of the Black Sea made it an important maritime and trading center. Over time, Tios grew and flourished, playing a significant role in the region’s economic and cultural exchanges. Its rich history is reflected in the archaeological remains, which reveal a blend of Greek, Roman, and later Byzantine influences.

Tios is particularly remarkable for its architectural and urban features, such as the absence of defensive walls during the Roman period, which made it vulnerable to invasions and looting, notably by the Goths. Despite these challenges, the city persisted, and the Romans subsequently restored and continued to use the necropolis. This resilience is reflected in the rich archaeological findings that speak to a community with strong familial ties, as indicated by inscriptions and the anthropological study of skeletal remains.

Top image: Roman necropolis area at the ancient city of Tios in Zonguldak, Turkey.       Source: Anadolu Agency

By Sahir Pandey