What Secrets Do Sacred Buildings Built by the Phrygians in Turkey in 800 BC Hold?
Archaeologists have made an astonishing discovery at the Midas Castle site in northwestern Turkey, unearthing ruins that date back to the Phrygian civilization, which flourished 2,800 years ago. The excavation, conducted on a high plateau, revealed ancient ovens and open hearths used in ritual feasts, providing a glimpse into the religious practices of the Bronze Age.
Ancient Ovens and Ritual Feasts
Among the significant finds were several ancient ovens and hearths, suggesting that these structures played a crucial role in cooking animals sacrificed during religious ceremonies. This evidence strongly supports the theory that the plateau was reserved for sacred rituals. The area, known as the “Agdistis Sacred Area,” spans 88 acres and is located near the renowned Yazılıkaya Monument.
Link to Phrygian Goddess Matar Kubileya
Excavations also uncovered rock basins carved into the bedrock next to a statue of the Phrygian goddess Matar Kubileya, the deity of nature and fertility. These basins, along with the statue, offer concrete proof that the site was a center for fertility rituals. This discovery sheds light on the deep spiritual significance the Phrygians placed on nature and agricultural abundance.
Site’s Longstanding Historical Significance
The latest excavation marks the first major archaeological activity at the site since 1953. Midas Castle has a deep history that stretches back 250,000 years, with stone tools from the Lower Paleolithic period being unearthed. Additionally, ceramic fragments from the Roman period further demonstrate the site’s continuous human occupation across millennia.
From the Hittites to the Phrygians
Before the Phrygians, the region was home to the Hittite Empire, which built the towering Yazılıkaya Monument to protect its capital, Hattusa. Following the Hittites’ decline around 1180 BC, the Phrygians established their dominance until they were eventually overthrown by the Cimmerians in 690 BC.
This discovery not only highlights the Phrygian civilization’s complex religious practices but also emphasizes Midas Valley’s historical importance as a site of continuous human settlement for hundreds of thousands of years.
Source: What Secrets Do Sacred Buildings Built by the Phrygians in Turkey in 800 BC Hold?
Archeologists make 5000-year-old discovery while excavating an ancient burial site
Archeologists make 5000-year-old discovery while excavating an ancient burial site