An Archaeological Discovery in Colossae
Recently, Turkish archaeologists stumbled upon over 60 ancient tombs in Colossae, a city that holds a place in the New Testament. This discovery was highlighted by Ankara’s state-run Anadolu Agency on October 6. Located in the Aegean region, Colossae sits at the foot of Mount Honaz.
This city is perhaps most famous as the site of an early Christian community addressed by St. Paul in his Epistle to the Colossians, which is the twelfth book of the New Testament.
The area has been occupied since at least the 6th century BC. However, it suffered significant damage from an earthquake in the 1st century AD, which led to a decline in its prominence. It was rebuilt in the 7th century but was ultimately abandoned by 787 due to yet another devastating quake.
According to archaeologist Baris Jenner, the tombs discovered are over 2,200 years old. He noted that this site is “the largest necropolis in Anatolia, characterized by rock-cut trough-shaped tombs.” After clearing the topsoil, they found around 65 graves, excavating 60 of them.
The sheer number of graves squeezed into such a compact area was a surprise to the excavators. Jenner mentioned that this cemetery shows how ancient peoples effectively utilized the region’s geological and topographical features.
“Back in that era, agriculture—especially grain farming—was flourishing, so they worked to make the most out of the limestone rock formations,” he explained. “To preserve arable land, they used the petroglyphite area as a burial ground.”
In addition to tombs, archaeologists uncovered terracotta pottery, glass bottles, oil lamps, coins, and even sandals that might have belonged to the deceased.
These pre-Christian tombs offer new perspectives on the spiritual beliefs of ancient people in this region. For instance, tomb lamps were commonly thought to illuminate the path to the afterlife.
Mr. Jenner also found numerous amulets and stones believed to possess healing properties. This indicates that the people of Colossae held strong spiritual beliefs, even prior to St. Paul’s writings.
Ultimately, these discoveries point to a rich tapestry of ritual practices and beliefs centered around magic and protective artifacts, showcasing how deeply valued these were in Colossae.
