Salkaya Roman villa complex discovered in Elazığ

Archaeological excavations in Salkaya Village, located in the Elazığ province of Turkey, have revealed an extensive Roman villa complex. The discovery began in 2023 after a farmer accidentally uncovered a mosaic while planting saplings in a field. Following the initial discovery of an 84-square-meter mosaic, which was fully unearthed in 2024, the site was upgraded from a rescue excavation to an official museum excavation in 2025.

Research led by the Elazığ Museum and scientific advisor Associate Professor Dr. Mehmet Kayhan Murat indicates the site dates back to the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods. The complex includes several significant structures: a bathhouse, a grain store, and a church or chapel. Additionally, archaeologists discovered a child's grave near the church.

Local officials, including Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu, have inspected the site. Preliminary assessments suggest the settlement may have belonged to a regional lord, a military commander, or a merchant. Authorities are currently working on infrastructure and road improvements to make the site accessible for future visitors.