Archaeologists Find 3 Artifacts That Rewrite Country's History

Archaeologists excavating a section of the well-known Konya's Karahöyük site have discovered three artifacts from different time periods, which may recontextualize the timeline of Anatolia’s Bronze Age, according to a statement issued to the Anadolu Agency. The discoveries, made by Dr. Gonca Dardeniz Arıkan of Istanbul University, offer an unprecedented glimpse into Turkey’s ancient civilizations, including religious practices, governmental systems, and community relations. 

Artifacts Span Centuries

The most remarkable discovery, found within a community complex which dates back to 2000 B.C., is a completely intact dining set which is 3,500 years old. It’s one of very few full dining sets ever found on record, and contains a trefoil-rim jug as well as a handled cup and a clay serving dish. Also found in the area were a selection of children’s toys and small animal totems.

Additionally, researchers excavated an eagle-headed human seal and a bone pen from the site. The seal, which also dates back 3,500 years, depicts an eagle’s head atop a human body. "Seals were personal signatures, representing both identity and belief,” Arikan explained. “Through these images, we can understand how people of the era expressed themselves and their connection to their gods and rituals." The figurine offers insight into religious practices of the time, but more specifically into burial rituals. "People buried their babies within the rooms they used daily. We believe this was closely tied to their religious beliefs,” Arikan said. “Perhaps they wanted to keep the memory of their children alive within their households."

The Potential to Rewrite History

The bone pen is relatively young, dating back just 2,000 years. Researchers believe it was used for governmental purposes in Hittite, which was the former capital of Tarhuntassa. The pen, seal, and dining set provide an indelible timeline of the community’s emergence from a mecca of Bronze Age trading to a more administrative city. Silver plaques found at the site also indicate that the area was vital in establishing ancient trading networks. "We are witnessing the economic systems of 3,500 years ago,” Arikan said. “Merchants used seals and marked tokens for accounting, similar to modern business practices."

The trio of recent discoveries at Karahöyük spans 1,500 years of history, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the evolution of Anatolia. As Arikan continues excavations at the site, the doctor is hopeful that further discoveries will fill in the historical gaps and paint a more complete picture of ancient Anatolian culture.