1,500-Year-Old Roman Homes Discovered in Southeast Turkey

🏛️ Archaeologists uncover 1,500-year-old Roman-era homes in southeastern Türkiye

Archaeologists in southeastern Türkiye have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved residential complex dating back nearly 1,500 years in the ancient city of Perre, one of the five major cities of the Commagene civilization.

The new findings, discovered during the 2025 excavation season in Adıyaman, reveal fresh insights into everyday life during the late Roman period.

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🏺 New discoveries at Perre

Excavations at the site — ongoing intermittently since 2001 — have already revealed a Roman fountain, water channels, stone structures, and various architectural remains.

This year, under the coordination of the Adıyaman Museum Directorate, a team of four archaeologists and 20 workers uncovered a 154-square-meter residential area, complete with:

• A tandoor-style oven 🍞
• Two adjoining rooms
• Coins, bronze items, and household utensils 🪙

Researchers say the findings offer rare evidence of domestic life in the region during the Roman era.

🏠 A window into Roman domestic life

Mehmet Yelken, head of the Adıyaman Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, described the discovery as highly significant.

“We are currently working on a structure built during the Roman period. The presence of the tandoor and multiple rooms clearly indicates a residential function. These new architectural textures help us better understand the area surrounding the nearby basilica known for its ‘Paradise Mosaic.’”

🌍 A crossroads of trade and history

Perre's strategic position on ancient trade and military routes played a major role in the diversity of artifacts uncovered, Yelken added.

“The city served both as a transit point and a lodging center. We expect even more important discoveries as excavations continue.”

The new findings further highlight Perre's importance as one of Türkiye's most promising archaeological sites — offering a vivid glimpse into life in the region 15 centuries ago.