Ancient Turkish tomb reveals 1,600-year-old tear bottle left by grieving widows

Archaeologists excavating the ancient district of Hasankeyf in Türkiye have made an extraordinary discovery: a 1,600-year-old tear bottle from the Late Roman Period. 

The tear bottle, believed to have been placed in the graves of deceased husbands by grieving wives, symbolizes a profound expression of sorrow and enduring connection, according to Israeli media.

The ongoing excavation, led by Associate Professor Dr. Zekai Erdal, began in July and is expected to continue until the end of the year. The primary goal of the excavation is to uncover all remains from the Roman Period by following the traces of a wall that dates back to the 4th century CE. "Excavations have been carried out within and around the structure complex called the Great Palace in Hasankeyf Castle," Dr. Erdal, head of the excavation and a faculty member at Mardin Artuklu University’s Department of Art History, said.

In the area identified as the east of the Great Palace, the team discovered remnants of walls from the Late Roman Period, specifically from the 4th century CE. This finding substantiates the Roman presence in the region, as noted in historical sources.

The tear bottle discovery provides unique insight into the emotional customs of the time and adds another piece to the puzzle of Hasankeyf’s rich history, which spans multiple civilizations over millennia. The excavation continues to shed light on the Roman heritage of the area, offering a rare glimpse into the past.

By Naila Huseynova