Gold diadem found in Roman-era sarcophagus in Izmir

A rescue excavation carried out on a construction site in the Alsancak district of the Turkish province of İzmir (Greek Smyrna) after workmen unearthed a stone sarcophagus containing human remains, ceramic fragments and pieces of a gold diadem.

Sarcophagus discovered during construction in Izmir
[Credit: Andalou Agency]

It was determined that the remains date to the 2nd century AD and likely belong to a member of the ruling class who lived during the Roman period.

Fragments of gold diadem recovered from sarcophagus
[Credit: Andalou Agency]

The crown fragments were taken under protection by the İzmir Museum Directorate, while the sarcophagus was fully excavated.

Cleaned gold fragments from diadem [Credit: Andalou Agency]

The İzmir No: 1 Cultural Heritage Preservation Board decided declared the area a third degree archaeological site due to the fact that the “pieces may belong to more than one sarcophagus burial in the area” and “the area provides important data about the range and the necropolis of the ancient Smyrna settlement.”

Ceramic found in sarcophagus [Credit: Andalou Agency]

According to the decision, before the construction permit is granted in the excavated area and the surrounding area, drilling excavations will be carried out and a review will be made by the experts of the İzmir Museum Directorate.

Source: Hurriyet Daily News [July 30, 2020]

TANN

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