New excavations at Troy reveal ancient tunnels that may change history

The ancient city of Troy, famously known for its role in the Trojan War, continues to captivate archaeologists with its untold mysteries. Recent excavations beneath the ruins have revealed a vast network of tunnels, shedding new light on the city's history and its strategic significance.

According to Greek media, archaeologists have been excavating Hisarlik, believed to be the site of Troy, for over 150 years, yet the ancient city still offers new revelations. In the 1980s, archaeologist Manfred Korfmann led a new wave of excavations, uncovering key discoveries that would reshape our understanding of Troy.

One of Korfmann’s major findings was the identification of the Lower City of Troy, a large residential area south of the main citadel, which was also protected by a defensive ditch. However, the most striking discovery came between 1997 and 2001 when Korfmann uncovered a network of tunnels beneath the city, including a cave known as the Water Cave of Wilusa—Wilusa being the ancient Hittite name for Troy.

The Water Cave connects to an extensive system of man-made tunnels that stretch across the Lower City. Four shafts leading to the surface were discovered, with the tallest reaching an impressive 17 meters. These shafts, believed to have collected rainwater, helped sustain the tunnel system's water supply. There may have also been an underground water source feeding the tunnels.

Archaeologists have dated the tunnels to around 2600 BCE, thousands of years before the Roman Empire’s influence, debunking initial assumptions that the Romans had built them. The most likely explanation for the tunnels’ construction is that they were created to ensure a secure water supply during sieges, offering the Trojans a vital advantage in warfare.

These findings not only deepen our understanding of Troy but also bolster the argument that Hisarlik is indeed the true location of the ancient city.

By Naila Huseynova