Kültepe-Kaniş archaeological site yields Hellenistic mosaic

Archaeological excavations at the Kültepe-Kaniş site in Kayseri, Turkey, have uncovered a mosaic-floored structure dating to the Hellenistic Period. This discovery marks a first in the 78-year history of excavations at the site, which have previously focused primarily on the Bronze Age.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ankara University, and the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage of South Korea. Led by Professor Fikri Kulakoğlu, the team identified four distinct, successive Hellenistic cultural layers during the second season of joint excavations near the Warşama Palace.

The surviving mosaic floor measures approximately 163 by 165 centimeters, though surrounding fragments suggest the original structure was significantly larger. Technical analysis revealed a construction method involving a leveled base of crushed stone and fine soil, topped with a layer of small river pebbles and materials including ceramic pieces and lime. These findings are expected to provide new insights into the structural and cultural transformations of the settlement between 323 and 30 BCE.