A remarkable discovery emerged as archaeologists dug deep in Cehennem Deresi, also known as Hell Creek, located in Bagozu village within the Gercus district of Batman, Turkey. This hidden treasure dates back a staggering 3,000 years.
The Hasankeyf Museum Directorate team made an unexpected find when they set out to document ancient caves adorned with paintings. As they explored the area, they stumbled upon a necropolis of great historical significance.
This ancient burial site perches on steep cliffs, offering a breathtaking view of the Tigris River. To reach this unique spot, the team embarked on a roughly five-kilometer journey, accompanied by vigilant security guards.
3 Bin Yıllık Nekropol Bulundu
Batman’ın Gercüş ilçesine bağlı Bağözü köyü Doruk mezrasında bulunan ve Dicle Nehri’ne açılan Cehennem Deresi’nde gerçekleştirilen kazılarda tarihin seyrini değiştirecek 3 bin yıllık nekropol bulundu. pic.twitter.com/4hSP5cS5Ns
— Batman’ın Nabzı (@batmaninnabzi) October 13, 2023
Initial phase of excavation
In the initial phase of their work, archaeologists carefully opened eight trenches and made a remarkable discovery. They uncovered a necropolis in Eastern Turkey containing nearly 150 urn graves, rock tombs, and earthen graves.
These burial sites date back to the Iron Age Assyrian civilization, which thrived during the first millennium B.C. The burial ground spanned an area of about 100 square meters.
Discovery of warfare related items
Within the urn graves, where the remains of the deceased were placed after cremation, a fascinating array of items related to warfare emerged. These included spears, arrowheads, daggers, knives, swords, and various other tools associated with combat, presumably belongings of the departed.
Sehmus Genc, the director of the Hasankeyf Museum and leader of the excavation team, noted the significant finding of an Assyrian cylinder seal during their excavations. This seal is expected to provide valuable insights into the history of the region.
Genc pointed out that there’s a lack of historical records to confirm whether the Assyrians inhabited the region. However, during surface surveys in an area they refer to as the Deraser region, they stumbled upon a burial ground. This discovery prompted them to initiate an urgent excavation effort.
“Here we found many grave structures, including urn graves, cist graves and earthen graves. The dead gifts unearthed in these graves made us excited. During the excavations, personal gifts were unearthed from the graves. The Assyrian cylinder seal found is important in determining the spread of the Assyrians. Among these gifts, we found spears, arrowheads, daggers, knives, swords and many war tools,” he explained.
Discovery of 150 graves in the region
Archaeologist Metin Agrak, discussing the ongoing excavations, reported the discovery of 150 graves in the course of their work in the necropolis in Eastern Turkey.
Metin Agrak explained that their initial mission was to document the adorned caves in Doruk Village. He added, “We came to this area upon the warning of the villagers. We noticed that there were cubes in a few pits here. Then we expanded the work and now opened the eighth trench. We came across approximately 150 urn graves in these trenches. In this necropolis area, there are urn graves, as well as cist graves and earthen graves. After the dead were cremated, the remaining bones and ashes were placed in cube graves and buried. The restoration work still continues. Their date will be revealed after the bones are examined in the laboratory. This place was a very important discovery for the region and its archeology.”
He further said, “Our work starts at sunrise in the morning and continues until noon or afternoon depending on seasonal conditions. We take the artifacts unearthed here to the Hasankeyf Museum Directorate, taking security precautions. Our finds are under protection at Hasankeyf Museum. They will be exhibited in the museum after they are all cleaned and documented.”