Archaeologists working in the ancient Greek city of Assos (Greek: Ἄσσος), located in what is now modern-day Çanakkale Province, northwestern Turkey, have uncovered a 2,200-year-old mosaic and a 1,800-year-old monumental tomb. The discoveries highlight the city’s historical significance during the Hellenistic (Greek) and Roman periods.
The excavations, led by Nurettin Arslan, a professor at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey mark the 44th season of ongoing archaeological work in Assos. Supported by cultural heritage initiatives and sponsors, the project aims to shed light on the city’s Greek origins and its pivotal role in antiquity.
📍 Assos’ta 2200 yıllık mozaik ve 1800 yıllık anıt mezar keşfedildi.
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Fakültesi Arkeoloji Bölümü Öğretim Üyesi ve Assos Kazı Başkanı Prof. Dr. Nurettin Arslan, mozağin Hellenistik döneme ait polygonal tessera taşlarla… pic.twitter.com/jPdoHzvdJ2
— arkeolojihaber ® (@arkeolojihaber) January 23, 2025
Discovery of the Greek mosaic
The ancient Greek mosaic, constructed with colorful polygonal stones, features intricate geometric and floral patterns reflecting advanced artistry from the era.
Scholars consider it one of the earliest examples of its kind discovered in Anatolia, linking the craftsmanship to other notable sites in mainland Greece.
“This mosaic is among the earliest examples from the Hellenistic period in Anatolia and was likely part of a gymnasium later converted into a residential area during the Byzantine era,” Arslan said.
Scholars have linked its design to similar mosaics found in Macedonia and Greece, reflecting cultural exchanges across the ancient Mediterranean. Remarkably well-preserved, the mosaic showcases the advanced artistry and craftsmanship of its time.
Discovery of the monumental tomb
A second significant discovery is a 1,800-year-old monumental tomb, or heroon (Greek: ἡρῷον, romanized: hērôion), located in the agora, the city’s central public square. Initially thought to be a fountain, the structure was identified as a burial site for a prominent family in Roman-era Assos.
“In Assos, we know a tomb monument belonging to two brothers on the west side of the southern stoa. We can say that the unearthed tomb is a heroon, that is, a monumental tomb belonging to a prominent family in the city during the Roman period,” Arslan noted.
The historic Greek city of philosophy and trade
Assos, also known as Apollonia, was founded by Aeolian Greeks from the island of Lesbos between 1000 and 900 B.C. Over the centuries, it became a thriving cultural and philosophical center.
Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle established an academy there around 348 B.C. The city is also the birthplace of Cleanthes, a prominent Stoic philosopher.
Perched on a volcanic hill overlooking the Aegean Sea, Assos was strategically positioned as a major port city. Its well-preserved ruins, including the Doric Temple of Athena, reflect its historical significance and architectural sophistication.
The ancient ruins of Assos, now near the modern village of Behramkale, continue to attract global attention for their archaeological and historical value.