A discovery deep in history took place in the Ancient City of Savatra in Konya. The mass grave of children dating back to the 4th or 5th century AD excited scientists. This ancient city, Selçuk University Cultural Heritage Preservation and Restoration Department Head Assoc. Dr. It is at the center of the excavations led by İlker Işık.
Excavations carried out for years in the Ancient City of Savatra in Konya’s Karatay district have hosted interesting finds. First, church floor mosaics were discovered in an area of 400 square meters. Then, a mass grave of children dating back to the 4th or 5th century AD was discovered. This discovery became even more important when 42 skeletons were unearthed.
Mysteries of the Mosaic and the Anatolian Leopard
The head of the excavation, Assoc. Dr. İlker Işık explained the findings on the mosaic floor. Plant decorations, geometric patterns and animal figures attracted attention in the mosaics. In addition, the description of the Anatolian leopard enabled the tracing of an endangered animal in this region.
The discovery is dated to the 4th or 5th centuries AD. During the excavations, a necropolis area was also discovered in the bema section where the apsidal form was located. This necropolis contains tombs from the Christian era. The typological diversity of the graves more clearly reveals the traces of life in this area. Skeletons of various age groups, from fetuses to 13-14 years old, were found in this cemetery.
Small Treasures and Different Burial Techniques
Assoc. Dr. Işık explained that the graves were prepared with different burial techniques. For example, some graves were buried on top of each other, and it was remarkable that there were 5 skulls in one grave. The focus was on these burial techniques to understand the connections between graves and their functionality. Additionally, small valuables such as coins, rings and earrings were also found in the graves.
Excavations will continue in the area behind the church, called the narthex. The mosaics discovered here, in an area of 400 square meters, bear important historical traces of Anatolia. The excavation team will continue its research by focusing on this mosaic area.
Savatra Ancient City
Savatra Ancient City lies as a hidden historical treasure in Yağlıbayat District. The Lykaonia Region has hosted many civilizations throughout its history. The city of Iconium (Konya), which is the center of this region, hosts many ancient cities around it. One of these cities is the Ancient City of Savatra.
Savatra Ancient City is located in Yağlıbayat District of Karatay district, 12 kilometers inland after the 58th kilometer of the Konya-Aksaray highway. This magnificent ancient city was founded on the foothills of Bozdağ and is located on the eastern border of the Lykaonia Region, together with the neighboring ancient cities of Perta and Kana.
Strabo, one of the important writers of the ancient period, provides valuable information about Savatra. In Strabon’s work “Geography”, he explains that Savatra is a town near Garsaura (Aksaray) and that the deepest wells in the world are located here. Interestingly, the water drawn from these deep wells meets the water needs of the city. He also states that although there was no water, sheep were raised in this region and the water obtained from these deep wells was used in trade.
Architecture and Coins of Savatra
Savatra Ancient City, B.C. It minted its own coins in the 1st century. These coins provide important clues about the history of the city. There are many architectural works and inscriptions in the city. Epigraphic studies allow us to learn more about Savatra. The city was also used as a strategic military base to protect the Galatia-Lykaonia border during the Roman period. The towers surrounding the foothills of Bozdağ and the castles lying on the eastern line emphasize this strategic location.
There is an ancient theater in Savatra that bears traces of life throughout history. This theater shows how developed the city is. There is a large mound area to the south of the theater. These structures, which reflect the historical and cultural importance of the city, offer visitors clues about the ancient period.
During the Byzantine period, Savatra was considered an important episcopal center. It maintains its importance in this period by sending representatives to important church meetings such as the Council of Istanbul (381) and the Council of Kadıköy (451). Savatra maintained its Christian identity until the Seljuk period and continues to be mentioned as a bishopric center in Catholic records.
