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Roman and Byzantine Burial Traditions Unearthed in Iznik
Archaeological excavations in Hisardere, Iznik (Bursa, Turkey) are revealing burial customs and tomb architecture from the Roman and Early Byzantine periods. Used as a necropolis between the 2nd and 5th centuries AD, the site offers a rare and well-preserved record of ancient Nicaea’s funerary traditions.
Excavations, launched in 2018 on land once covered by vineyards and olive groves, uncovered chamber tombs with terracotta roofs, fresco-painted walls, subterranean hypogea, carved sarcophagi, burial goods, and human remains. Some family tombs housed up to 14 individuals over a century and a half, with frescoes depicting gardens, plants, and birds. Both elites and commoners were buried together, reflecting the social diversity of the necropolis.
In the upper layers, archaeologists discovered the remains of a vast 5th-century basilica (30 x 70 m), the largest yet found in Iznik. Sarcophagi were integrated into the church’s architecture, illustrating the transition from pagan necropolis to Christian sacred space.
Once excavations conclude, the Hisardere Necropolis is planned to open as an outdoor museum, offering visitors a vivid look into Iznik’s transformation from Roman to Byzantine culture.
Published on: 22-10-2025
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
Source: Daily Sabah