Archaeologists have uncovered new insights into the ancient underwater city of Iuliopolis (Greek: Ἰουλιούπολις) in Turkey, revealing that the submerged settlement was once a thriving center of trade, religion, and daily life.
The findings, led by Dr. Durmuş Gür and published in the Journal of Management and Economic Studies, show how the city functioned as both an economic hub and a religious center during the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods, when Greek language and culture shaped much of daily life in the region.
A storage complex reveals daily life
At the center of the discovery is a structure identified as a larder. This space was used to store agricultural goods. Archaeologists found five large storage jars, known as pithoi, placed side by side. These jars once held wine, olive oil, grain, and water.
Archaeologists uncover storage jars, a bronze ritual vessel, and a Greek-inscribed fragment reading “Blessing of the Lord” in ancient Iuliopolis, Turkey. pic.twitter.com/cECGiBchfk
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) April 6, 2026
One jar stood out. It carried a Latin cross symbol made using small dots. Researchers say this detail points to a strong link between storage and religion. The larder likely belonged to a monastery or church institution. This suggests that religious centers controlled food storage and distribution.
The jars were fixed firmly to the floor. This shows careful planning and long-term use. The findings indicate that Iuliopolis had an organized system for storing surplus goods.
Evidence of trade and regional links
The excavation also revealed imported ceramics from North Africa. These items show that Iuliopolis was connected to wider Mediterranean trade networks. The city was not isolated. It had access to goods from distant regions.
At the same time, local tools such as spindle whorls and iron axes point to strong local production. Textile work and craft activities were part of everyday life. Researchers say this balance reflects a stable economy. The city could support itself while also trading with others.
An inscription found near the site carries the Greek phrase “ΕΥΛΟΓΙΑ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ,” meaning “Blessing of the Lord.” Researchers say this reflects the continued use of Greek in religious and public life, even under Byzantine rule.
Fragments of inscriptions and stelae recovered from the graves offer insights into the religious beliefs and professions in Iuliopolis during the Early Byzantine Period. pic.twitter.com/0tnk721igc
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) April 6, 2026
Iuliopolis stood along a major Roman road linking İznik (the ancient Greek Nicaea) to Ankara. This route, often linked to pilgrimage travel, brought traders, travelers, and religious visitors through the city. Its position helped it grow into an active commercial center.
Religious change and cultural continuity
The study also highlights how the city changed over time. Builders reused materials from earlier Roman structures. Archaeologists found fragments of columns, altars, and architectural pieces built into later walls. This practice reflects both practical reuse and cultural transition.
One of the most notable finds is a bronze vessel known as a patera. It dates to the 3rd century but was discovered inside a later Byzantine storage jar. Researchers say this shows continuity between Roman and later Christian traditions shaped within a Greek-speaking Byzantine world.
Inside a submerged church in Iuliopolis, Turkey, archaeologists found red-slipped ceramics marked with crosses and religious inscriptions.
Dating to the 5th–7th centuries, these fragments point to a strong Christian identity at the heart of the city. pic.twitter.com/Doe8JVbALh
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) April 6, 2026
In earlier periods, such vessels were used in pagan rituals. Later, they likely served new purposes in Christian practices. This shift shows how older traditions were adapted rather than fully abandoned.
Diet, agriculture, and daily living
Scientific analysis of human remains has provided further insight. Chemical traces in hair samples suggest that residents consumed wine, lentils, and plant-based foods. Some compounds also point to the use of medicinal herbs.
These findings suggest a varied and balanced diet. Wine appears to have played both daily and religious roles. The presence of large storage jars supports the idea that wine production was important in the region.
Historical sources also describe vineyards in nearby settlements. Monasteries likely managed these lands. Surplus production may have been stored in facilities like the larder and used for trade or religious purposes.
Fishing and animal husbandry also supported the local economy. Nearby rivers provided fish, while livestock such as goats and oxen were widely used for farming and transport.
A city shaped by strategy and geography
Iuliopolis was more than a religious site. It was also strategically important. The city stood on key transportation routes used for military, civil, and religious travel. Its location increased its political and economic value.
Archaeologists also found evidence of water systems, including channels and infrastructure linked to sanitation. Historical accounts suggest the area may have served as a rest stop or healing center due to nearby water sources.
Despite periods of decline after its peak in earlier centuries, the city remained active. Its strong location and resource base helped it survive changing conditions over time.
A submerged past still unfolding
Much of Iuliopolis now lies beneath modern dam waters. Yet ongoing excavations continue to reveal its hidden history. The study shows that the city was not a minor settlement, as once believed.
Instead, it was a complex urban center where religion influenced the economy, trade connected distant regions, and daily life was supported by organized systems rooted in a wider Greek and Mediterranean world.
Researchers say future work may uncover more structures beneath the water. Each discovery adds to the story of a city that once played a key role in the region’s history.
