Farmhouse Foundation Reveals Byzantine-Era Inscription in Çorum, Turkey

ALATSA, ÇORUM, TURKEY – A seemingly ordinary farmhouse in the village of Alatsa has yielded an extraordinary discovery, revealing a hidden layer of history beneath its foundations.

During recent renovations, an inscription in Medieval Greek was found on a stone incorporated into the house's structure, pointing to the existence of a Byzantine-era church beneath the dwelling. This region, known in ancient times as part of the Hellenistic kingdom of Pontus, boasts a rich history stretching back to the Bronze Age, including Hittite settlements and later Phrygian and Persian influence.

The inscription, partially deciphered by experts, commemorates a young man named Antigonus. The words "MEMORY," "YOUNG," "ANTIGONUS," "BODY," "EARTH," and "SOUL" are clearly legible, suggesting a funerary context. Researchers are working to translate the remaining fragments, particularly a cryptic "K-E" sequence, to gain a fuller understanding of the inscription's meaning. The presence of a Greek inscription from the Byzantine period, layered over earlier Hellenistic foundations, highlights the complex cultural tapestry of the area.

The discovery underscores the rich, layered history of the region. The farmhouse, unknowingly built atop the Byzantine ruins, used ancient materials in its construction, inadvertently blending two distinct eras. "This is a remarkable example of how the past can unexpectedly resurface," commented [Insert Name/Title of local archaeologist or historian]. "The inscription offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of those who inhabited this area centuries ago, adding another piece to the puzzle of Çorum's historical significance from the Hellenistic period through the Byzantine era."

Local authorities and archaeologists are now collaborating to further investigate the site. The farmhouse owners, [Insert Names if available and permissible], expressed surprise and excitement at the discovery. While the future of the farmhouse and the underlying Byzantine ruins remains to be determined, the inscription serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring presence of the past. The ongoing research promises to shed more light on the history of Alatsa and the communities, from Hellenistic to Byzantine, that once called it home.