In this month of November 2023, as a new season of excavations ends at the site of the Incesu district, in the center of Kayseri province, this was an opportunity to take stock of the progress of the research in the presence of local stakeholders. .
A mosaic of 600 square meters in a prestigious villa
The excavations are being conducted under the direction of Professor Can Erpek from the Art History Department of Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University. According to the local newspaper Railly News, the decorative works would be located in a residential structure at a very high level. The extensive mosaics are spread over a large area in a residence of 33 rooms, but their boundaries have yet to be determined during further excavations.
The structure with the largest floor mosaic in Cappadocia and Central Anatolia was unearthed during the excavations carried out in Örenşehir district of İncesu district of Kayseri province, located in the center of Türkiye.https://t.co/raru204Lef
— TurkishArchaeoNews (@turarchaeonews) November 12, 2023
The size of the surface covered by the ornaments attracts attention because it is unusual in this region where a mosaic culture still prevails. Şükrü Dursun, Director of Cultural Affairs and Tourism of Kayseri, said that “the structure is growing every year,” from 300 square meters to 600 square meters.
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A structure spanning the 3rd and 4th centuries
Arkeo news reports that experts came to the conclusion that this place was built in the 4th century. However, there are also traces dating from the 3rd century and beyond. The high-quality craftsmanship used in the floor mosaics suggests that this location was used as a very important villa at the time.
In the 4th century AD, Roman mosaics emerged during the ongoing excavations in Kayseri, Türkiye.
These new mosaics were excavated from the villa, which is estimated to have been built in the 4th century AD. Kayseri Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Şükrü Dursun reported that… pic.twitter.com/83hmJ51KYD
— Archaeo – Histories (@archeohistories) November 11, 2023
The trail of imperial properties has advanced, given its historical connection with the Roman and Byzantine eras. An inscription with the name “Hyacinthos” was also found in the building.
The inscription reads: “ On her 30th birthday and with our prayers that she reaches her 40th birthday. This building [Fabrica] was built under the leadership of his friend […] Hyacinthos. You, O building, have now reached the most magnificent level.»
Greek inscriptions have also been discovered, most notably one that reads ‘Enter in health’ or, depending on the interpretation, ‘Enter in good health’.
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Six sites are currently being excavated in Kayseri province
Six different places in the region are currently revealing their secrets, Mayor Büyükkılıç announced. “In addition to fossil studies, we as a municipality have welcomed every request from our Culture Directorate and worked on this issue in 6 places such as Kültepe Kaniş Karum, mosaic, Keykubadiye Palace and Seyyid Burhaneddin Tomb Hazrat.” he explained. The ultimate goal is to make the Turkish region a recognized archaeological site.
Sources:
TurkishArchaeoNews
Arkeo news
Railly News
Daily Sabah