Türkiye, which has gained international attention in the field of archaeology in recent years for groundbreaking discoveries, continues to unearth traces of life from thousands of years ago through year-round excavations. The number of archaeological excavations had risen to 720 in 2023, which increased to 765 in 2024 and is expected to reach 800 by 2026. While 2024 became known as the "Golden Age of Archaeology," it also garnered attention for significant discoveries from various parts of Anatolia. Here is a list of some of the most amazing archaeological discoveries of the year:
4,000-year-old seal in Kütahya: A 4,000-year-old cylinder seal made of faience from the period of Assyrian Trade Colonies was discovered in the Tavşanlı Mound of Kütahya in Western Anatolia. Previously, faience seals were only found in Kültepe and Acemhöyük, the major trade centres of Central Anatolia. This seal proves the existence of newly discovered trade routes between the east and west of Anatolia.
Minoan dagger in Antalya: A Minoan-style bronze dagger ornated with silver rivets was discovered preserved under a copper ingot at 50 metres depth during the underwater excavations in Antalya's Kumluca district. Until now, such daggers had only been discovered in the Minoan Civilisation of Crete.
Statue head of Hygieia and colourful Scylla statues in Denizli: 2,100-year-old statue head of Hygieia, the goddess of health, was discovered in the ancient city of Laodikeia in Denizli. Furthermore, unique Scylla statues from the Hellenistic period of the Augustus era (27 BC-14 AD) were discovered, which are notable for their paintings, aesthetics, and artistic quality.
7800-year-old female figurine in İzmir: A 7,800-year-old female figurine with a distinct mouth shape, thought to represent a storyteller woman, dating back to 5800–5900 BC, was unearthed during the Ulucak Mound excavation in the Kemalpaşa district of İzmir.
Arrowheads from the Battle of Malazgirt (Manzikert) in Muş: 39 arrowheads used by the Seljuk and Byzantine armies were found during surface surveys and excavations at the site of the Battle of Malazgirt, where the Turks defeated the Byzantine Empire and advanced into Anatolia in 1071. The coins bearing an image of Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes discovered in the same strata provide proof that these arrowheads were used at the Battle of Malazgirt.
First Millefiori panels in Antalya: Archaeologists unearthed numerous exquisite interior decorating panels made using the ancient "Millefiori" (meaning thousand flowers) technique at the Andriake port town of Myra ancient city, in Antalya's Demre district. The discovery of such large-scale luxurious decoration items in Türkiye is a first.
Ancient furniture inventory in Hatay: A cuneiform tablet inscribed in the ancient Akkadian language has been recovered amid the ruins of the Aççana Mound in Hatay. The tablet, which includes a shopping inventory of the numerous tables, chairs, and stools that were purchased, illustrates the wealth as well as the development of crafts during the Bronze Age.
Food storage area in Kars: A Seljuk period (11th–12th centuries) provision storage that contained eight large conical jars was unearthed amid the Ani ruins. A fragment of what appears to be a peacock motif, a symbol of heaven, was also discovered in close proximity to these jars.
Urartian military equipment in Van: Ayanis Castle in Van's Tuşba district was the site of the discovery of a large vessel with religious depictions, a helmet, and rich bronze shields that belonged to the Urartu Kingdom.
Ancient Zeus head in Aydın: A colossal head of Zeus, carved from a single marble block and dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, was discovered in the ancient city of Aphrodisias in Aydın.
Agricultural treasures in Kahramanmaraş: Carbonised chickpeas, two distinct varieties of wheat, apricot kernels, raisins, and garlic were discovered in a silo pit at the Yassı Mound in the Afşin district of Kahramanmaraş.
The first depiction of an animal in motion in Şanlıurfa: A stone slab depicting a wild donkey running was discovered during excavations at Karahantepe in Şanlıurfa.
Apollo altar in Antalya: An altar structure believed to be dedicated to Apollo, male and lion statues, and small votive figurines were discovered in the ancient city of Phaselis in the Kemer district of Antalya.