6 August 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Roman Era Mosaic Unearthed in Illegal Excavation Near Zile Castle

A stunning mosaic has been unearthed during an illegal excavation near Zile Castle, located in the Tokat province of Türkiye, which is situated in the central part of Anatolia. Murat Tekin, the head of the Zile Castle Ancient Theater excavations and a lecturer at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University’s History Department, emphasizes that this find not only showcases the artistic achievements of the Roman period but also reaffirms Zile’s status as a significant center in antiquity.

The mosaic, located approximately 200 meters from the ancient theater excavation site, is believed to date back to the Roman era. Tekin notes that the word “tyrphe,” which translates to comfort and luxury, is prominently featured in the mosaic, hinting at the opulence that characterized the lifestyle of the time. “This discovery is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Zile, which has been an important hub since ancient times,” he stated.

Zile’s historical significance is further amplified by its connection to the Battle of Zela in 47 B.C., where Roman Emperor Julius Caesar famously declared, “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) after his swift victory over Pharnaces II of Pontus. This pivotal moment not only solidified Roman power in the region but also marked Zile as a key player in the annals of history.

The Tokat region, nestled in the historical heartland of Anatolia, held significant strategic value during the Roman Empire. Its geographical location positioned it as a crucial link along vital trade routes connecting the eastern and western parts of the empire. This connectivity fostered economic growth and cultural exchange, leading to the establishment of important Roman settlements and infrastructure within the region.

While historical sources provide glimpses of Roman administration and military presence, archaeological evidence has been gradually piecing together a more comprehensive picture. The fertile plains and strategic passes of Tokat likely supported agricultural activities and facilitated the movement of goods and armies.

The ongoing excavations at the ancient theater, which began in 2022, have revealed layers of history that trace back to the Hittite period when the settlement was known as Anziliya. As the Romans expanded their empire, Zile, then known as Zela, became a vital center for trade and military activities, showcasing impressive architecture and cultural exchanges.

Credit: AA

While a detailed analysis of the mosaic is yet to be conducted, initial observations suggest it dates back to the Roman period. Intriguingly, the inscription “tyrphe” found within the mosaic is believed to symbolize comfort and luxury, hinting at the opulence of the structure it once adorned. The presence of such a sophisticated piece suggests a patron with considerable means and a taste for refined aesthetics. Furthermore, the location of the mosaic near the ancient theater hints at a potentially affluent residential area or a public space designed to impress.

Tekin believes that the mosaic discovery could significantly boost tourism in Zile. “If we expand our excavation efforts in the area where the mosaic was found, it will not only enhance our understanding of the past but also attract visitors eager to explore Zile’s rich heritage,” he explained. The city is already home to various historical structures, including the ancient theater, castle, and rock tombs.

The illicit excavation that brought this remarkable mosaic to light serves as a poignant reminder of the threats facing archaeological heritage. However, the discovery itself offers a valuable opportunity to enrich our understanding of Roman influence in the region and Zile’s historical significance.

The ongoing efforts to secure and study the mosaic, coupled with continued archaeological investigations, promise to unveil more of Zile’s fascinating past, potentially transforming it into an even more prominent destination for history enthusiasts.

As the excavation team continues to analyze the mosaic and its context, there is hope that further discoveries will emerge, providing deeper insights into the lives of those who once inhabited this ancient city. The mosaic serves as a reminder of Zile’s enduring legacy and its role in the broader narrative of Roman history.

In conclusion, the recent discovery of the mosaic not only highlights Zile’s artistic and cultural significance but also reinforces the need for the preservation of its archaeological sites. The illicit nature of the excavation that unearthed this significant mosaic underscores the vulnerability of archaeological sites to looting and destruction. As interest in Zile’s history grows, so does the opportunity to celebrate and share its rich heritage with the world.

Cover Image Credit: AA

Related Articles

Archaeologists Reveal a Hair Style They Think Was Fashion 2000 Years Ago

19 February 2021

19 February 2021

The small 5 cm figurine found during excavations at Wimpole in Cambridgeshire surprised with its details. National Trust archaeologists and...

Roman ‘ritual center’ discovered in England

12 January 2023

12 January 2023

Archaeologists from have discovered a Roman ritual centre during excavations near Northampton, England. The find was made by the Museum...

Impressive proof of technology transfer in Antiquity times “2700 year- old a Leather Armor”

20 July 2022

20 July 2022

Design and construction details of the unique leather-scaled armor found in a horse rider’s tomb in northwest China indicate that...

Archaeologists find 4 Umayyad epigraphs in the ancient city Knidos

24 May 2022

24 May 2022

Archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Knidos connected to Datça District of Muğla province in western Turkey have unearthed...

Grave Goods Show Gendered Roles for Neolithic Age

16 April 2021

16 April 2021

Grave goods, such as stone tools, have revealed that Neolithic farmers had different work-related activities for men and women. Researchers...

3,000-year-old Treasure on the Iberian Peninsula made with material from a meteorite

7 February 2024

7 February 2024

Scientists have recently discovered that some of the pieces in the amazing Bronze Age collection known as the Villena Treasure,...

Exceptional Iron Age Artifacts Discovered at Celtic Necropolis in France

18 April 2025

18 April 2025

An archaeological excavation in Creuzier-le-Neuf, a small town located six miles north of Vichy, has unveiled a remarkable Celtic necropolis,...

Ancient Footprints Offer Evidence Humans Wore Shoes 148,000 Years Ago

12 September 2023

12 September 2023

A new analysis of ancient footprints in South Africa suggests that the humans who made these tracks might have been...

409 silver coins, found in the Mleiha area of Sharjah, were inspired by Alexander the Great and the Seleucid dynasty

17 July 2021

17 July 2021

409 silver coins dating to the 3rd century have been found in the Mleiha area of Sharjah in the United...

Outstanding Bronze Age artifacts discovered in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France

23 August 2021

23 August 2021

Hundreds of bronze objects have been discovered buried in pottery in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The research team, led...

The first Iberian lead plate inscribed with an archaic script was found at Pico de Los Ajos in Yátova

13 June 2021

13 June 2021

At the Pico de Los Ajos site in Valencia, Spain, a rare lead sheet engraved in ancient Iberian was unearthed....

Iraq’s historic Arch of Ctesiphon undergoes restoration work

28 November 2021

28 November 2021

Iraq’s Arch of Ctesiphon, the world’s largest brick-built arch, is having restoration work to return it to its former splendour,...

In French Necropolis 21 Roman “curse tablets” discovered including one written in the extinct Celtic language of Gaulish

18 January 2025

18 January 2025

During the excavation of an eighteenth-century hospital in north-western France by researchers from the Orléans Archaeological Service, a 2,000-year-old necropolis...

İnscriptions in Turkey is Showing How Romans Tackled İnflation

21 March 2021

21 March 2021

The largest marble city in the world, located in western Turkey in the province of Muğla, draws attention with large...

Mustatil Structures in Arabia May Be 7,000-Year-Old Stone Remnants of Cattle Cult

1 May 2021

1 May 2021

Archaeologists examining the mustatil stone remains in the northwest of Arabia think that these stone remains may have been used...