Over 2000-Yr-Old Unique Rock Tomb Found in a Courtyard of a House With Carvings Intrigues Archaeologists
Structures built by different civilizations represent their faith, beliefs, priorities, and lifestyle. For archaeologists, one of the biggest objectives is to figure out the meaning of these structures and their importance in specific periods. Recently, archaeologists uncovered a structure in southeastern Türkiye that reflects the rich cultural heritage that once existed in the area, stated Anatolian Archaeology. Şanlıurfa Governor, Hasan Şıldak, announced the finding.
Experts involved in the Cultural Inventory Project stumbled on the site in the Eyyübiye District. Archaeologists spotted what they believed to be a rock tomb in the courtyard of a house. Examinations unveiled that the rock tomb was possibly 2,300 years old. However, the exact origin period is yet to be confirmed. The feature that makes the structure unique is the reliefs on its walls. The carvings showcased the beliefs and lifestyle followed by the human population around two millenniums ago.
The reliefs involved human figures, mythological scenes, animal depictions, and plant motifs. The most noteworthy illustrations were of a reclining male figure and some winged females. The male figure possibly represents ancient funerary portraiture, stated Smithsonian Magazine. He could be the reenactment of the individual that was buried in the structure. The winged women could be the guardian angels looking after the departed soul, stated the outlet.
The carvings illuminated researchers about the traditions followed by the human population in that era, stated Anatolian Archaeology. Most of the tombs in the area were made around the Late Hittite and Roman periods. However, enough evidence from the site has not been collected to determine if the same can be asserted for this rock tomb. This particular tomb also stands apart from others in terms of appearance. Researchers now are gearing up to examine the inscriptions on the red ochre of this tomb, to figure out its purpose.
The rock tomb is the most recent finding that has come out due to the Cultural Inventory Project, stated Smithsonian Magazine. The objective of the project is to record new historical discoveries all across the province. For this project, the provincial government collaborated with Batman and Harran Universities. A team comprising architects, art historians, and nine archaeologists was assembled to analyze the area. The team believes that by the end of this project, they will be able to observe thousands of cultural assets present in the region and document previously registered historical sites.
Researchers believe documentation is necessary to preserve historical structures which are always vulnerable to human-made or natural disasters. "Without documentation, the loss becomes irreversible," project leader Gulriz Kozbe, an art historian at Batman University explained. "Having a database would have accelerated restoration efforts in light of such disasters." Sanliurfa where the tomb was uncovered is valuable not only for the Turkish population but also for several other civilizations, stated Greek Reporter. From the Hellenistic to Roman times, the region was called Edessa and now has turned into a sort of open-air museum. Every group that has resided in the region has left its impact in one way or the other. Hence, it has now become a storehouse of historical legacy that archaeologists want to analyze.