1,600-Year-Old Roman Military Structure Discovered in Southeastern Türkiye

Archaeologists have unearthed a 1,600-year-old Roman military structure in Hasankeyf, southeastern Türkiye, during ongoing excavations led by Zekai Erdal from Artuklu University, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

This discovery adds to the historical significance of Hasankeyf, one of humanity’s oldest settlements, which has been under excavation since 1984. The site has previously yielded artifacts from various eras, including the Assyrian, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Republican periods.

This year’s finding is especially noteworthy as it confirms historical records of a late Roman military fortress in the area, which had not been located until now. Erdal stated that the structure, dating back to the fourth century during the reign of Emperor Constantine II, was identified through comparisons of stone sizes and construction techniques with other contemporary buildings.

Hasankeyf, located along the Tigris River, is also home to a Byzantine fortress and nearly 6,000 caves with remnants of Christian and Muslim worshipers.