First Military Gate of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 16:51

The First Military Gate, in Turkish known as İlk Askeri Kapı, is the southernmost gateway of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople, located at the junction with the Sea Walls that ran along the Sea of Marmara. The gate is situated next to the Tower 1 of the Theodosian Walls, just to the north of that tower. This area is called the Yedikule neighbourhood and several important historical building of different eras can be seen in the vicinity of the gate.

First Military Gate and Tower 1 of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople

The Miletus cave and the Asclepius cult

Submitted by Iza on Sun, 10/05/2025 - 16:27

Text and photos by our correspondent from Didim, Jay Jean Jackson.

The cave at Miletus, which is underneath the theatre, is an ancient sanctuary dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman eras. There is evidence to suggest it could have been used as a healing sanctuary during ancient times dedicated to Asclepius, a demigod of medicine and healing, and the son of Apollo.

September 2025 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 10/01/2025 - 09:27

In September 2025, archaeologists in Turkey announced several major discoveries. In Cappadocia's Göreme region, a 5th-century necropolis was uncovered beneath a road, containing nearly 50 graves, rock-cut living spaces, and artifacts such as reliquary crosses, coins, and jewellery, with plans to transform the site into an archaeopark. Meanwhile, excavations at Phoenix Ancient City in Muğla revealed an Early Iron Age tumulus, stepped pyramidal tombs, Byzantine structures, and evidence of ancient farming and olive-oil production, while in Şanlıurfa a new site called Mendik Tepe — possibly older than Göbekli Tepe — was identified, showing early buildings that suggest permanent settlement and food storage practices. Finally, archaeologists working at Sagalassos, one of the cities of Pisidia, found a large building which likely hosted the organized activities of Roman-era associations roughly 1,800 years ago.

Yedikule Fortress

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 09/26/2025 - 08:57

Rising where empires once met and clashed, the Yedikule Fortress — the Fortress of the Seven Towers — has long stood as one of Istanbul's most imposing landmarks. Built in 1458 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, it fused the grandeur of Rome with the ambition of the Ottomans, enclosing the mighty Golden Gate of the Theodosian Walls within its new ring of towers. More than just a fortress, Yedikule became infamous as a royal dungeon, a place where ambassadors, nobles, and rebels awaited their fate. Over the centuries, its looming walls gave birth to tales of intrigue, escape, and execution, ensuring its place in both legend and memory.

Golden Gate of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 09/22/2025 - 12:54

Marching north along the mighty Theodosian Land Walls of Constantinople, the traveller soon encounters the Golden Gate — Chryseia Pyle in Greek, Porta Aurea in Latin, and Altınkapı or Yaldızlıkapı in Turkish. This was the second gate on the route, coming just after the modest First Military Gate, a small postern linking the land and sea walls.

This was no ordinary portal — it was the ceremonial gateway of the Byzantine capital. Here, after passing through the gate, Via Egnatia transformed into the southwest branch of the Mese, the main thoroughfare of ancient Constantinople and the scene of many Byzantine imperial processions. The Mese then led straight into the heart of the city, passing the main fora and palaces on its way. Thus, Emperors rode through the Golden Gate in triumph after military victories, or during coronations and other state celebrations. On rare and distinguished occasions, the privilege was extended to outsiders: papal legates in 519 and 868, and even Pope Constantine himself in 710.