Seljuk-Era Bronze Amulet Unearthed in Ancient City of Lystra
Archaeologists Uncover Seljuk-Era Traces in Ancient Lystra, Central Turkey 🏺
Excavations in the ancient city of Lystra, located in Turkey's central Konya province, have revealed a bronze amulet believed to date back to the Seljuk period.
The archaeological project is supported by Necmettin Erbakan University and local municipal authorities, under the direction of Associate Professor İlker Mete Mımiroğlu. Lystra, known as one of the cities visited by Apostle Paul, is considered a key center in the early spread of Christianity. ✝️
Second Season Reveals Significant Findings
During the second season of digs, researchers examined the remains of the main church, part of a large architectural complex, along with a chapel, another late antique church, and around 80 burials in the upper church area.
Graves, likely belonging to Christians from the Seljuk era, contained glazed inkwells, coins, and turquoise beads.
"Written sources previously hinted at a Christian population during the Seljuk period, but now we have archaeological confirmation," said Mımiroğlu.
Other parts of the city revealed residential structures from the Ottoman period, large storage vessels, and even a 17th-century Austrian silver coin—demonstrating Lystra's continued significance on trade routes well into the Ottoman era.
The Bronze Amulet: A Rare Discovery
The standout find was a bronze amulet discovered alongside a green-glazed inkwell in a Seljuk-era dwelling. Preliminary analysis suggests it is a triangular pendant with mirrored inscriptions on both sides.
Such items are rare in Anatolia but have parallels in Central Asia, believed to have been used by warriors and travelers. Once restored and deciphered, the amulet may shed new light on the lives and beliefs of its owners.
The amulet's triangular shape and mirrored inscriptions suggest possible protective or ritualistic functions, with connections to Central Asian traditions.
Key Discoveries at Lystra
- Bronze Seljuk-era amulet with mirrored inscriptions
- Approximately 80 burials in the upper church area
- Glazed inkwells, coins, and turquoise beads from Seljuk-era Christian graves
- Main church and chapel remains within a large architectural complex
- Ottoman-period residential structures
- Large storage vessels and a 17th-century Austrian silver coin
Tourism Impact and Future Prospects
Mustafa Kavuş, mayor of Meram district, noted that even before the second excavation season concluded, the site was attracting thousands of visitors. Officials hope the project will significantly boost tourism in the future. 🌟
The archaeological work at Lystra continues to reveal the site's layered history, from early Christianity through Seljuk and Ottoman periods, promising further discoveries in coming seasons.
For researchers and historians, the confirmed presence of a Christian population during the Seljuk period opens new avenues of inquiry into religious coexistence and cultural exchange in medieval Anatolia. The unique bronze amulet, once fully deciphered, may provide invaluable insights into the spiritual practices and daily lives of Lystra's inhabitants during this transformative era.
