Excavations uncover traces of Alexander the Great-era site
Archaeologists working at the ancient site of Büklükale in the central province of Kırıkkale have uncovered evidence of a settlement dating to the Hellenistic period, the era of Alexander the Great, alongside artifacts from several other ancient civilizations.
The excavations, now in their 17th year, are being led by Professor Kimiyoshi Matsumura of the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology at two excavation areas known as the Lower City and Upper City.
Located on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, Büklükale has yielded traces of continuous occupation spanning multiple historical periods. Among the latest discoveries are a bronze pin, a seal bearing animal figures, an animal-headed artifact and seal-impressions. Detailed analyses are underway to determine the precise date of the newly uncovered objects.
Matsumura described Büklükale as an ancient city situated about 60 kilometers southeast of Ankara, noting that its location at a crossing point on the Kızılırmak River made it strategically important throughout history.
