In the province of Kayseri, located in central Turkey, impressive mosaics dating from the 3rd to the 6th centuries AD have been unearthed during recent archaeological excavations in the village of Incesu, identified with the ancient city of Sadacora or Sadogora.
The mosaics, spanning an area of up to 600 square meters, are exceptionally well-preserved and display high-quality geometric designs and figurative scenes.
The excavations, led by the Archaeological Museum of Kayseri with financial support from the city municipality, have revealed the remains of an imposing Roman or Byzantine villa believed to have belonged to a high-ranking official of the empire. Notably, among the finds is an inscription with the name “Hyacinthus,” possibly identifying the owner or administrator of the residence.
Mayor of Kayseri, Memduh Büyükkılıç, recently visited the archaeological site to oversee the progress of the work. Büyükkılıç declared, “Kayseri has once again proven to be the crucible of wealth and civilization throughout history,” emphasizing the importance of showcasing the city’s extensive historical and cultural legacy.
Archaeologists estimate that the original extent of the villa covered an area of at least 4,000 square meters. However, ongoing excavations continue to reveal new rooms with mosaic floors, suggesting that its size may have been even larger. So far, 33 rooms with decorated floors have been identified.
Experts date the initial construction of the complex to the 3rd century AD. Nevertheless, evidence such as ceramics and coins found suggests that the villa remained inhabited during the Byzantine and Seljuk periods. It would thus be an exceptional example of residential continuity for over 800 years in Anatolia.
Dr. Can Erpek, the director of the intervention, highlighted the importance of this discovery in gaining a better understanding of the lifestyle and domestic architecture of Roman and Byzantine elites in Cappadocia.
Additionally, archaeological work will continue in the area during the next season to further elucidate the history of this remarkable building.
The city, situated at a crossroads of trade routes, hosted different civilizations that have left their mark in the form of architectural and artistic legacies now coming to light.
Sources
Kayseri Büyükşehir Belediyesi (Ayuntamiento de Kayseri)
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