Farmer Finds Ancient Sarcophagus While Plowing Field in Turkey

A farmer plowing his field in Hocakoy, a village in Iznik, Bursa, Turkey uncovered an ancient sarcophagus. Iznik, once the ancient Greek city of Nicaea (Νίκαια), founded by Antigonus in 316 BC , is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The farmer found an intricately designed stone cover and part of a column believed to date back centuries.

The stone cover, featuring detailed patterns and a cross motif, was found alongside human bones, raising speculation about its origins. Experts suggest the site may have been a burial ground or held religious importance.

Authorities quickly secured the area. The Iznik District Gendarmerie cordoned off the site, and archaeologists from the Iznik Museum began their investigation. Researchers are eager to examine what lies beneath the stone cover, hoping it will provide fresh insights into the city’s rich past.

Nicaea: A city of historical significance

Iznik, once known as Nicaea, holds a pivotal place in history. Located in northwestern Anatolia, it was originally founded by the Macedonian king Antigonus I Monophthalmus in the 4th century BCE after the death of Alexander the Great. Initially named Antigoneia, it was later renamed Nicaea by Lysimachus, a successor of Alexander, in honor of his wife.

As a Greek city, Nicaea flourished during the Hellenistic period, showcasing classical Greek culture, architecture, and traditions. Its strategic location and cultural contributions made it a vital center in the region. Remnants of its Greek heritage still stand as testaments to its rich past.

Nicaea later became a prominent city in the Roman and Byzantine periods, especially as the site of the First and Second Councils of Nicaea, where Christian leaders established the Nicene Creed. After the Fourth Crusade, it served as the capital of the Empire of Nicaea and later became the capital of the expanding Ottoman Emirate from 1331 to 1335.

Although its prominence declined when the Ottomans moved their capital to Bursa, Nicaea’s legacy remains visible. Towering city walls, ancient churches, mosques, and other architectural treasures stand as reminders of its historical significance.

Iznik’s global spotlight

The recent discovery adds to Iznik’s growing reputation as a key destination for historians and tourists alike. Experts believe this find could deepen understanding of the city’s role in early religious and cultural developments.

Bursa’nın İznik ilçesinde bir çiftçinin tarlasını sürerken pulluğuna takılan lahit, tarihi kalıntılarla birlikte bulundu. Üzerinde haç deseni bulunan lahit, koruma altına alınarak incelenmeye alındı. Papa Francis’in İznik ziyareti öncesi bu keşif, bölgedeki ilgiyi artırdı. pic.twitter.com/NA6aBoQWji

— Haberler.com (@Haberler) January 5, 2025

The upcoming visit by Pope Francis, which highlights Nicaea’s role in Christian history, has further heightened interest in the city. With its layered history – from its Greek roots to its role in the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires – Iznik continues to captivate those seeking a connection to the ancient world.