Ancient tombs, church found in Tieion in northern Turkey

ZONGULDAK – Doğan News Agency

DHA photo

This year’s excavation works have ended in the ancient city of Tieion, known as the Ephesus of the Black Sea, after unearthing 25 Byzantine-era tombs and one church.

Located in the Çaycuma district of Zonguldak province, Tieion dates back to the 6th or 7th century and excavations at the site started 10 years ago.

Among the artifacts unearthed during excavations on a field of 60 hectares, color pans and pots, written documents, the remains of a bath, a church, a temple, a harbor, castle and coastal walls, an aqueduct, a breakwater, an ancient theater, coins and ceramics were found. 

Karabük University Archaeology Department academic Şahin Yıldırım said excavations of Tieion had unearthed many important artefacts since starting 10 years ago. 

“This year’s works were finished last week. During works over 40 days, we unearthed 25 tombs. The skeletons in the tombs have been sent to the lab for further examinations. A byzantine-era church was also completely unearthed and a restoration project was initiated. We will continue with the work at Tieion next year,” Yıldırım said.