Archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Assos, situated in Behramkale village in Turkey’s Çanakkale province in the northwestern part of the country, have unearthed a 2,200-year-old mosaic alongside a 1,800-year-old monumental tomb.

The findings are the latest of many significant discoveries at the site found through regular, uninterrupted diggings since 1981, which are supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and sponsored by Istanbul Steel and Iron Industries Inc. (ICDAS).

Nurettin Arslan, a professor and head of the Assos excavation team at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, shared details on the findings from the 44th season of excavations.

Among them is the inn structure adjacent to the western city wall, where work began in recent years and continues.

The mosaic, dated to the Hellenistic period, is composed of colourful polygonal stones arranged in geometric and floral patterns.

Professor Arslan noted to Anadolu Agency that such examples are typically found in small fragments in Anatolia.

“Based on our current estimates, the newly discovered mosaic in Assos is 2,200 years old,” Arslan said.

“Therefore, we can say that it is one of the first mosaics from the Hellenistic period in Anatolia featuring polygonal tesserae [stone, glass, or marble pieces used in mosaics to enhance visual effect].”

The head of the Assos excavation team mentioned the structure was likely used as a gymnasium during the Hellenistic period but was later transformed into a residential area in the Byzantine period.

“It’s quite fortunate that the mosaics have survived unscathed despite the area’s later use,” he said.

Arslan also cited another excavation site located in the eastern section of the agora, explaining that previous researchers had referred to the structure as a “fountain”.

“Work on this structure has been completed. Following the excavations, we discovered that this monumental structure, previously thought to be a fountain, is actually a monumental tomb or heroon belonging to a prominent family in Assos,” he said.

Arslan stated that they know of a tomb monument in In the western section of the southern stoa (a covered colonnaded gallery) belonging to two brothers.

“The newly uncovered tomb is a heroon from the Roman period and likely belonged to an influential family in the city.”

Assos is an ancient city located on the summit and slopes of a volcanic hill on the southern coast of the region known as “Troas” in antiquity, directly across from Lesbos Island.

The city has hosted numerous civilizations over the centuries and served as a significant port city throughout its history.

It is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, including the Temple of Athena from the 6th century BC, but was also a centre for philosophy, attracting notable figures like Aristotle.