Unique Roman-era tomb unearthed in Türkiye’s Sillyon ancient city PHOTO

Archaeologists working in the ancient city of Sillyon, located in Türkiye’s Antalya province, have uncovered a rare Roman-era tomb that sheds new light on the region’s burial traditions.

The find was made during ongoing excavations in Serik district as part of the “Heritage for the Future Project,” supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Experts say the discovery offers significant insight into the city’s multi-layered past, which preserves traces of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilizations, ArkeoNews writes. 

During the 2025 excavation season, researchers unearthed four Roman tombs. Among them, one stood out for its distinctive design—a square-planned chamber tomb containing three separate burials from different periods.

Inside, archaeologists found an array of grave goods, including rings, earrings, coins, terracotta vessels, glass artifacts, figurines, and metal accessories. The items helped date the chamber to the late 2nd century AD and suggested that the individuals buried there belonged to Sillyon’s aristocratic class.

Dr. Murat Taşkıran, excavation director and a faculty member at Pamukkale University, highlighted the uniqueness of the structure:

“The presence of three burials from different times demonstrates an ongoing reuse of the space, reflecting a ritual tradition unique to Sillyon. This discovery enriches our understanding not only of Sillyon but also of burial practices across the region.”

Archaeologists noted that the careful arrangement of remains and symbolic offerings illustrated how the community valued the memory of its elite citizens.

The site’s significance does not end with Roman history. Excavations revealed that the necropolis was reused between the 13th and 15th centuries as a Muslim Turkish cemetery, with soldiers and their families buried there.

Dr. Taşkıran said elements of Central Asian Turkic traditions were evident in the graves, marking a cultural transformation after the region came under Turkish rule.

“We discovered reflections of early Turkish burial traditions within Sillyon’s Islamic-era graves. These findings represent crucial evidence of the cultural transformation of the region after the Turks established dominance,” he explained.

Founded in the early 2nd millennium BC on a strategic hilltop, Sillyon has long been considered a crossroads of civilizations. The latest discovery adds another dimension to its layered history.

With conservation and restoration work stabilizing the newly unearthed chamber, archaeologists hope the find will continue to provide valuable insights for future generations. Supported by Opet as the main sponsor, excavations at Sillyon remain a cornerstone of efforts to preserve and study Anatolia’s diverse cultural heritage.

By Sabina Mammadli