Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Pompeiopolis in northern Turkey have uncovered approximately 105 square metres of a remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaic dating from the 4th century AD.
The discovery was made during the 2026 excavation, documentation and conservation programme at Pompeiopolis, located in the modern district of Taşköprü in Turkey’s Kastamonu Province.
Pompeiopolis was an important urban centre of ancient Paphlagonia and rose to prominence as a provincial capital during the Roman Imperial period.
According to Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the mosaic was uncovered inside the city’s basilica, where it decorated the floor of the building’s central nave.
Approximately 105 square metres of the mosaic have so far been exposed, revealing a series of elaborate geometric compositions preserved largely in situ.
“We have brought to light around 105 square metres of floor mosaics dating from the 4th century AD, consisting of geometric compositions and extraordinarily well preserved,” Ersoy said.
The complete extent of the mosaic has yet to be determined, with archaeological investigations continuing in an attempt to locate further sections of the decorated pavement.
Conservation work has already been undertaken on the exposed areas to stabilise and protect the mosaic while excavation of the surrounding structure continues.
Roman basilica reveals centuries of change
Archaeological evidence indicates that the basilica was first constructed during the second half of the 2nd century AD, around AD 150–160.
The building subsequently underwent a series of major architectural and functional alterations, reflecting changes taking place at Pompeiopolis during the later Roman period.
By the 5th century AD, the city had developed into an episcopal centre, increasing its religious and administrative importance as Christianity became firmly established across the region.
Researchers believe modifications to the basilica, together with its surviving decorative elements and mosaic floors, could provide further evidence for this period of Christianisation and the development of the city’s episcopal function.
Excavations of the basilica began in 2025 and are continuing to establish the building’s complete ground plan and identify its different phases of construction and occupation.
Head of Eros discovered
Archaeologists also announced the discovery of a sculpted head depicting Eros, the Greek god of love, during the 2026 excavation season.
The head was found in the pastophorion, a room associated with the basilica complex, and has been dated to the second half of the 2nd century AD.
According to researchers, the sculpture provides additional evidence for the artistic and cultural character of Pompeiopolis during the Roman Imperial period, before the city’s transformation into an important Christian centre during Late Antiquity.
Archaeological work at Pompeiopolis is being conducted by teams working with the Directorate General of Cultural Heritage and Museums under Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Further excavation, documentation and conservation work will focus on revealing the remaining sections of the basilica and determining the full extent of its surviving mosaic decoration.
Sources : Finestre sull’Arte
