Hundreds of Stunning Millefiori Glass Panels Unearthed at Andriake Port

Excavations at the ancient port of Andriake, in the Demre district of Antalya, Turkey, have revealed an extraordinary discovery of millefiori glass panels, a luxurious and intricate form of decoration from the Roman era.

These finds, made as part of the “Heritage to the Future” project, stand out not only for their artistic beauty but also for their rarity, explains the Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism announcement. The millefiori technique, which translates to “a thousand flowers,” involves creating glasswork with detailed floral and geometric patterns. Such panels were used in prestigious buildings of the time, making their discovery in such large quantities a significant archaeological find.

Archaeologists excavating at the Andriake site. (Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism)

One of the Year’s Most Important Discoveries

Experts have hailed the discovery as one of the most important in Turkey this year. The sheer volume and diversity of the glasswork found at Andriake is unprecedented in the country. Hundreds of colorful, patterned panels were unearthed in room number 42, located in the Customs Area near the Andriake Agora.

These exquisite pieces, thought to date back to the 5th century AD, offer a glimpse into the opulent interior decorations once adorning the walls of important Roman buildings.

Broken millefiori glass panels in situ. (Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism)

A Glimpse into Ancient Luxury

In addition to the millefiori panels, the excavations revealed small glass rosettes and ornate frames, all part of a highly decorative wall arrangement. Some of the plates depict bird figures and saints in techniques like inlay and opus sectile, further underscoring the sophistication of the craftsmanship. This discovery suggests that the building, located in a prominent position near the Granarium and Agora, was likely an important administrative or public structure.

The unique find, with its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic variety, points to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of ancient Andriake and reinforces the port’s significance during the Roman period. The discovery also highlights the city’s connection to Mediterranean trade routes, bringing luxurious materials and artistic techniques to its shores.

Top image: Two of the intact millefiori panels recovered at Andriake Port.            Source: Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism

By Gary Manners