Ancient Tomb with Bull Heads Discovered in Turkey

Get ready for a history lesson with a side of mystery! Deep beneath the soil of modern-day Turkey, archaeologists have unearthed an incredible tomb – and it's not your average burial site. This remarkable discovery dates back to around 2,000 years ago, placing it right in the heart of the Roman era. The tomb was found in the ancient city of Tharsa, located near Kuyulu village along the Adıyaman-Şanlıurfa Highway. 

(Photo credit: Adıyaman Museum) Ancient Tomb with Bull Heads Discovered in Turkey

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Tharsa itself is a treasure trove of history, with two settlement mounds and a large necropolis (fancy word for a cemetery) already boasting over 60 unearthed graves. But this latest find adds a whole new layer of intrigue to the city's story. The tomb is part of a complex known as the Turuş Rock Tombs. Unlike many tombs built above ground, these were carved directly into the bedrock, creating an almost hidden resting place. To enter, you would have descended a series of steps, a dramatic approach that only adds to the mystique.

Rock Tombs in Turuş (Tharsa) 

What truly sets this tomb apart, though, are the two intricately carved bull heads flanking the entrance. These impressive carvings, known as bucrania, were more than just decoration. In many ancient cultures, bulls were seen as powerful symbols – representing strength, fertility, and even protection from evil spirits. Their placement at the tomb's entrance suggests they were intended to guard the occupant's eternal slumber.

Experts believe the tomb might hold the remains of an important figure from the region's Roman past. Imagine the possibilities! Unearthed artifacts could tell us more about the person entombed here, their social status, and even their beliefs about the afterlife. Archaeologists are meticulously excavating the site, carefully sifting through the earth for any clues the tomb might hold. Every new discovery, every unearthed object, could be a missing piece of the puzzle, helping us paint a clearer picture of life in this ancient city.

Mustafa Çelik, Deputy Director of Adıyaman Museum, said, “Tharsa Ancient City consists of 3 main archaeological areas: Big Mound, Small Mound and Necropolis Area. We started excavations in the necropolis area in 2024. We added 2 more rock tombs to the rock tombs we had previously uncovered. One of them is the rock tomb we identified today.”

Çelik is super excited about turning Tharsa into a top tourist spot, thanks to its rich history and amazing archaeological finds. To keep these newly discovered tombs safe from environmental damage, they're installing a new drainage system to stop rainwater from seeping in. The team will be hard at work digging and clearing the graves until September 2024.