In the 2026 excavation season at the ancient city of Antandros, located in the Edremit district of Balıkesir, a monumental church structure approximately 1,600 years old is being brought to light. This large building, dating to the Late Antiquity period, is of great importance for proving Antandros's role as an early Christian and bishopric center in the region, with its unique floor mosaics, wall frescoes, and inscriptions illuminating the social structure of the era.
Kandidos's Generosity and Traces of Fire
During the excavations led by Head Archaeologist Prof. Dr. Gürcan Polat, it was determined that the church was constructed in the early 5th century CE. Inscriptions on the mosaics adorning the building's floor indicate that the church was built through community effort, with a benefactor named 'Kandidos' financing the mosaics. An approximately 10-centimeter layer of fire residue detected on the mosaics strengthens the possibility that the structure was rendered unusable by a major disaster.
A Bishopric Center Affiliated with Ephesus
This structure, found in Antandros, which historical sources identify as a bishopric center affiliated with the Archdiocese of Ephesus, is considered one of the city's first and most significant churches. The total length of the monumental structure, of which a 17-meter wide section has been uncovered so far, is unknown as its eastern part has not yet been reached. Granite columns and frescoes with floral motifs showcase the building's grandeur. The city frequently makes headlines in the archaeological world with other significant discoveries, such as the 2,200-year-old historical decree inscription found previously [6].
Archaeological Activity in the 2026 Season
The 2026 excavation season across Turkey is proving to be quite active. In addition to this significant discovery at Antandros, new season excavations have also commenced at the ancient city of Hadrianopolis in the Eskipazar district of Karabük [3]. It has been reported that the work at Hadrianopolis, like that at Antandros, will focus on early church structures [1]. The church at Antandros is estimated to have been completely abandoned following the Arab raids in the 7th century. For additional sources and further reading that strengthen this context, see [2].
Sources and Further Reading
- [1] 2026 Excavation Season Begins at Hadrianopolis Ancient City
- [2] 2026 Excavation Season Begins at Hadrianopolis Ancient City, the Zeugma of the Black Sea
- [3] Great Excitement in Karabük: Countdown Begins for Thousands of Years Old Palace Mosaics...
- [6] Archaeology News
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