A cemetery, but a magnificent cemetery. The 400 Roman tombs in Turkey are a surprising find. They date back to 1800 years. And they are part of one of the largest rock-cut chamber tomb necropolises in the world.
Exposed necropolis
The tombs were discovered in the ancient city of Blaundos. It was founded during the time of Alexander the Great. It has existed during the Roman and Byzantine periods, about 180 kilometers east of the Aegean Sea.
Archaeologists have known about the necropolis for more than 150 years. Since 2018 they have been able to carry out excavations at the site in order to document the ruins. For centuries the necropolis was exposed to thieves. But these stone tombs managed to survive the looting.
Several artifacts were found that would be destined to help the deceased in the afterlife. In several chambers, the investigators found grave goods. Mirrors, tiaras, rings, bracelets, oils, lamps … even medical instruments. They provide information about the people who were buried in these tombs.
Art on the walls
Something shocked the archaeologists in this discovery. The rock walls of these tombs were meticulously decorated with murals.
«They cover the walls, vaults and ceilings of the tombs. The style is of Roman characteristics. Vines, flowers of various colors, wreaths, garlands, are the most used motifs. Besides these, there are mythological figures. Hermes, Eros, Medusa ». It was described by Birol Can, an archaeologist at the University of Usak in Turkey.
These tombs were used by entire families for several generations. «They were used as family graves. They were reopened for each deceased family member ”, explained Birol Can.
The 400 Roman tombs in Turkey are complex structures. Excavations in the city have revealed many other remains. Temples, a theater, a basilica, a gymnasium, an aqueduct gate, etc. Researchers believe that many structures remain underground in this undiscovered necropolis.
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