Tag: Hellenistic

1000156858

The Empress Irene: Icon, Iconoclast, and Imperial Enigma

Empress Irene of Athens, a pivotal figure in Byzantine history, navigated a world of political intrigue and religious upheaval. From restoring icon veneration to claiming the imperial throne for herself, her reign (797-802) was marked by both piety and ruthlessness. This article explores her complex legacy, examining her impact on the Byzantine Empire and the wider Christian world.

OMU

Archaeologists Prepare for Extensive Excavations in Ancient Sebastopolis

Archaeologists from Ondokuz Mayıs University are embarking on a significant excavation project to uncover the ancient city of Sebastopolis. Located in Turkey’s Sulusaray district, Sebastopolis was a crucial trading hub through various historical eras. The project focuses on uncovering key structures like a Roman Bath and a Byzantine Church, with hopes of revealing other significant public buildings. The excavation presents both logistical and financial challenges due to the city’s location beneath modern Sulusaray and its embedding in deep silt and soil layers.

download 1

Turkish Airlines Introduces “UNESCO Türkiye Series” Amenity Kit Collection, Celebrating Rich Cultural Heritage

Turkish Airlines has launched its “UNESCO Türkiye Series” amenity kit collection, inspired by six UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey, including Ephesus, Cappadocia, and Troy—each with deep connections to ancient Greece and the Hellenistic period. Available to Business Class passengers on flights ranging from five to eight hours, the kits blend the country’s rich cultural history with modern design and sustainability. Developed in collaboration with the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO, these kits offer travelers a unique way to connect with Türkiye’s ancient past, including its Greek heritage, while flying in comfort.

island

Archaeologists Discover Extensive Amphora Deposits at Agios Georgios, Cyprus

Archaeologists unearthed a vast deposit of late Roman amphorae at Agios Georgios, Cyprus, suggesting maritime trade connections with southern Palestine during the 6th century AD. The discovery is part of a larger excavation project exploring the history of settlement at Agios Georgios and nearby Yeronisos Island, revealing evidence of occupation from the Early Chalcolithic period through to the Byzantine era.

1000144329

Thessaloniki’s Metro Unveils 17 Centuries of History at Venizelos Station

Venizelos metro station, opening soon, reveals Thessaloniki’s history from its founding in the 4th century BC to the 20th century. This massive archaeological undertaking showcases the Roman Decumanus Maximus (today’s Egnatia Street), Byzantine shops, and thousands of artifacts. The station’s 17-year journey reflects a city divided over preserving the unearthed treasures, leading to protests and debates. Now, this unique station promises to be both a transportation hub and an underground museum.

Isparta 1

Men Posing as City Workers Unearth Ancient Artifacts in Illegal Isparta Excavation

Four men posing as city workers were arrested in Isparta, Turkey, after an illegal excavation unearthed ancient artifacts, highlighting the growing problem of looting and treasure hunting in the country. The discovery of a sarcophagus and pottery fragments underscores the vulnerability of Turkey’s rich archaeological heritage, which spans Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.