Excavations at Oluz Höyük in Amasya have unveiled a treasure trove of artifacts dating back to the Med Kingdom period, spanning a remarkable 2,600 years into the past. Led by the Head of the excavation, Professor Şevket Dönmez, the archaeological team has made groundbreaking discoveries that shed new light on Anatolian archaeology and the presence of the Medes in this region.
Professor Dönmez expressed the significance of their findings, stating, “One of the important results of our excavations this year is that we have reached archaeological findings related to the Med culture for the first time in Anatolian archaeology.” This breakthrough comes as a milestone in unraveling the mysteries of ancient civilizations and their interactions in Anatolia.
The excavations focused on the Late Phrygian period, spanning from 600 to 550 BC, within the layers of Oluz Höyük. Istanbul University Archaeology Department Lecturer Prof. Dr. Dönmez elaborated on the discoveries, highlighting the unearthing of Medes pottery, a decorated bronze plate, and a bronze arrowhead. These artifacts not only confirm the presence of the Medes at Oluz Höyük but also establish the existence of Medes-related archaeological findings in Anatolia—a revelation that challenges previous assumptions about the region’s ancient history.
The Medes, an ancient Iranian people who inhabited the region between western and northern Iran, left a significant mark on the historical landscape of the Near East. Professor Şevket Dönmez elaborated on the historical context, stating, “Archaeologists were always surprised by the scarcity of findings in Anatolia regarding the Medes, which Herodotus mentioned extensively, describing six tribes.” This scarcity has long puzzled scholars, making the recent discoveries at Oluz Höyük all the more groundbreaking.
The excavation site at Oluz Höyük has yielded a series of remarkable finds over the years, including a 2,500-year-old Persian road, fire houses (Ateşgede) previously unseen in Anatolia, and a multi-column temple—a testament to the rich religious and architectural heritage of the region. These discoveries not only enrich our understanding of Anatolian Iron Age archaeology but also provide insights into ancient trade routes, religious practices, and cultural exchanges.
Oluz Höyük, situated 25 kilometers west of Amasya, stands as a testament to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region. With 10 settlement layers uncovered during the 15-year-long excavations, each revealing religious structures and artifacts, the site continues to unravel the complexities of Anatolia’s ancient past.