A Unique Tomb Discovered Along a Highway in Turkey, Part of the Mysterious Ancient Tomb Complex Known as Turuş Rock in the Ancient City of Tharsa.
According to Ancient Origins, the Turuş Rock ancient tomb complex was meticulously constructed by carving into the rock, creating an underground space.
To enter these tombs, one must descend 10 to 13 steps.
The entrance of the ancient tomb has been narrowed by earth and stone, with two damaged bull heads above it after 2,000 years – (Photo: IHA).
These tombs were built during the Roman occupation of the region, in a relatively desolate area next to the Adıyaman-Şanlıurfa Highway, which was once part of the prosperous city of Tharsa.
The most recent tomb excavated has attracted attention due to its two bull heads “guarding” the tomb entrance, which are immediately striking to those who might attempt to intrude.
Excavation process of the special tomb – (Photo: IHA).
Archaeologists believe that the bull heads were placed in the tomb to help the tomb’s owner ward off evil spirits.
In Roman culture, the bull is a symbol of Jupiter, representing power, strength, and unpredictability.
Additionally, the bull head is also a symbol of the city of Athens, depicted on many ancient coins. In Roman culture, bulls sometimes symbolize strength and fertility, associated with Mars, the god of war and protector of agriculture.
This remarkable tomb consists of a main chamber and three arches, adorned with decorative motifs of garlands and roses between the bull heads at the tomb entrance.
Findings related to the funeral customs of the Romans are of particular interest to archaeologists, as they reflect distinctive characteristics and provide many details about the cultural life of that period.
The Romans had quite diverse funeral customs in many regions, evolving over time and adopting practices from other cultures as the Roman Empire expanded.
Initially, cremation was common among the Romans. Burial customs only became prevalent from the 2nd century AD, representing the adoption of foreign culture. Therefore, the ancient tombs in Tharsa are among the oldest burial complexes of the Romans.
According to Mustafa Çelik, Deputy Director of the Adıyaman Museum, the ancient city of Tharsa comprises three main archaeological sites: the large mound, the small mound, and the necropolis.
The necropolis began excavations in 2024, and over 60 ancient tombs have been identified, all of which are rock-cut tombs.
