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silkystaynews.com News "From Roman to Necropark: Unveiling Ancient Tombs and Sarcophagi in Bursa"

"From Roman to Necropark: Unveiling Ancient Tombs and Sarcophagi in Bursa"

Excavations in Hisardere, Bursa have uncovered ancient Roman and Byzantine tombs, turning the area into a necropark showcasing intricate sarcophagi. The findings consist of relief sarcophagi, tombs adorned with frescoes, a basilica dating back to the fifth century, and burial styles specific to the locality. Conservation of burial customs and making the necropark accessible to the public are part of the future plans.

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"From Roman to Necropark: Unveiling Ancient Tombs and Sarcophagi in Bursa"

The Transformation of Roman and Byzantine-era Tombs into a Necropark

Ongoing archaeological excavations in Hisardere, Bursa, have unveiled significant discoveries from the Roman and Early Byzantine periods, turning the site into a future necropark. The area, previously a necropolis from the 2nd to the late 5th century, is now set to showcase ornate sarcophagi through casts in the upcoming park.

Excavations Uncover Rich History

Led by a team from Dokuz Eylül University, the excavations that began in 2018 have revealed relief sarcophagi, terracotta chamber tombs adorned with unique frescoes, hypogea, burial gifts, skeletons, and even a basilica with mosaic flooring. The site, once an olive grove, has provided a wealth of historical artifacts.

Preservation Efforts and Future Plans

Anthropologists are meticulously studying the skeletons found at the site, while artifacts are being displayed at the Hisardere Hall in the İznik Museum. Once the transformation into a necropark is complete, visitors will have the opportunity to explore burial traditions and tomb typologies from the era.

Discoveries of Unique Sarcophagi

Professor Aygün Ekin Meriç, the scientific coordinator of the excavation, highlighted the discovery of sarcophagi named after various figures and the uncovering of terracotta-plated chamber tombs dating back to the third century. The excavation also unveiled family tombs unique to İznik.

Unveiling a Fifth-Century Basilica

The team identified a mosaic floor belonging to a fifth-century basilica, the largest of its kind in İznik. This basilica, built atop the necropolis, served as a cemetery church without disrupting the sarcophagi. Plans are in place to fully reveal the mosaic as excavation work progresses.

Preservation of Burial Typologies

In addition to sarcophagi, hypogea, and stone-slab tombs, the excavation brought to light burial traditions specific to the Bithynia Region. Meriç emphasized the importance of preserving the burial typologies without alteration, showcasing the rich history of the area.

Future of the Necropark

Meriç expressed the team's goal of completing the excavation of the entire 10-hectare area and opening it as an open-air necropark for visitors. The site will exhibit a range of sarcophagi, reflecting the wealth and diversity of burial practices during the Roman Empire and Early Byzantine periods.

Roman and Byzantine-era tombs to turn into Necropark

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