In modern-day Turkey , within the ancient city of Tharsa , archaeologists have unearthed a 2000-year-old tomb adorned with two bull heads during meticulous excavation and cleaning efforts.
These remarkable discoveries, now known as the Turuş Rock Tombs, are situated near Kuyulu village along the Adıyaman-Şanlıurfa Highway.This collection of tombs, known as the Turuş Rock Tombs, has been under scrutiny for some time, with excavations commencing last year in 2021 within the ancient city.
The tombs, dating back to the Roman Period , were meticulously carved into the bedrock, descending from the ground downwards through 10-13 steps.
Anatolian Archaeology reports various intricate figures and reliefs adorning the walls and doorways of some of these rock tombs.
Representative of power, strength, and unpredictability, the bull was associated with the Roman god Jupiter and the city of Athens.
In modern-day Turkey , within the ancient city of Tharsa , archaeologists have unearthed a 2000-year-old tomb adorned with two bull heads during meticulous excavation and cleaning efforts. These remarkable discoveries, now known as the Turuş Rock Tombs, are situated near Kuyulu village along the Adıyaman-Şanlıurfa Highway.This collection of tombs, known as the Turuş Rock Tombs, has been under scrutiny for some time, with excavations commencing last year in 2021 within the ancient city. The tombs, dating back to the Roman Period , were meticulously carved into the bedrock, descending from the ground downwards through 10-13 steps. Anatolian Archaeology reports various intricate figures and reliefs adorning the walls and doorways of some of these rock tombs. However, the most striking feature is the pair of large bull heads adorning the entrance to one tomb, believed to ward off evil spirits according to Roman burial customs.The symbolism of the bull holds deep cultural and religious significance in Roman society. Representative of power, strength, and unpredictability, the bull was associated with the Roman god Jupiter and the city of Athens. On Athenian coins, the bull symbolized the city's might, while in Roman coinage, it represented strength and fertility, often linked to the god Mars.Mustafa Çelik, Deputy Director of Adıyaman Museum, explains that the Tharsa Ancient City comprises three main archaeological areas: the Big Mound, the Small Mound, and the Necropolis Area. Excavations in the necropolis area , initiated in 2024, have led to the discovery of two additional rock tombs, one of which features prominently adorned with bucrania, or bull's head figures, alongside decorative garlands and rosettes.The presence of bucrania in Roman tombs symbolized protection and purification, suggesting a belief in their ability to safeguard the deceased from malevolent forces during the transition to the afterlife.Archaeologists are now actively working to develop this area into a significant tourist attraction, aiming to showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.In the broader context of Roman funerary practices, rituals and customs evolved over time, reflecting changes in religious beliefs and societal norms. Initially, cremation was prevalent, but inhumation gradually became more common, especially from the 2nd century AD onwards. Funeral rites, including processions and offerings, were integral to ensuring a peaceful transition for the deceased.The ongoing excavations in Tharsa continue to unveil new insights into Roman burial practices, enriching our understanding of ancient civilizations and their beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife.
