Tios

Tieion

Turkey · Zonguldak

Ancient cityExcavation ongoing
Approximate periodArchaic, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman See on the map ↓

In brief

Tios, in Filyos, is mentioned in ancient sources as a colony founded by the Milesians. Excavations are investigating the city's long settlement history through its acropolis, religious buildings and Roman-period necropolis.

What was found?

  • 1Sarcophagus tombs

    It was reported that 96 sarcophagus tombs were found in the eastern necropolis. The sarcophagi lining the street make it possible to trace the cemetery's spatial organization.

  • 2Chamber tombs

    The work uncovered 23 chamber tombs. According to the researchers, some chamber tombs on the slopes belonged to people with higher incomes.

  • 3Cist and tented tile graves

    The necropolis also contained 7 cist graves and 60 tented tile graves. The different grave types document the diversity of burial practices in the city.

  • 4Necropolis avenue

    An avenue approximately 500 metres long was uncovered. Together with the streets and terraces, this road shows that the cemetery was laid out according to a plan.

  • 5Gravestones and inscriptions

    According to the excavation director's statement, some gravestones and inscriptions contain information indicating that a substantial proportion of the city's inhabitants gained Roman citizenship during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. These documents contribute to research into individuals' legal status within the empire.

What does it point to?

The cemetery at Tios was an extensive commemorative and burial area organized with avenues and terraces. According to the researchers, the positions and forms of the graves shed light on social differences, while the inscriptions illuminate the inhabitants' relations with Roman rule.

What did it teach us?

  1. Revealed that the Roman-period necropolis was planned with avenues, streets and terraces.
  2. Documented the use of sarcophagus, chamber, cist and tile graves in the same necropolis.
  3. Provided evidence through inscriptions concerning the spread of Roman citizenship in the city.

Latest news / selected archive

An excavation report published in 2024 stated that work in the necropolis had documented 96 sarcophagus burials, 23 chamber tombs and other burial types.

Record

Culture
Milesian colony, Roman and Byzantine
First modern dig
2006
Team / historical
Şahin Yıldırım / Bartın University
Coordinates
41.5613°, 32.0231°

Sources

  1. bauam.bartin.edu.tr
  2. aa.com.tr
  3. en.wikipedia.org

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