Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered over 60 ancient tombs in Colossae, a biblical city referenced in St. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians. Situated in the Aegean region near Mount Honaz, the site offers new insights into ancient religious practices and burial customs. These findings, reported by Anadolu Agency, highlight the city’s historical significance, as it was the home of an early Christian community to which St. Paul addressed his Epistle to the Colossians.
The city, while settled since the 6th century B.C., faced significant decline after an earthquake in the 1st century A.D. Despite reconstruction in the 7th century, the city was ultimately abandoned in 787 following another devastating earthquake. The recent excavations, led by archaeologist Baris Yener, reveal that the tombs date back more than 2,200 years and were part of the largest necropolis in Anatolia, with rock-cut, trough-shaped tombs.
Yener noted that the discovery of around 65 tombs, including the 60 excavated, reflects how ancient inhabitants made remarkable use of the area’s geological and topographical features. The use of travertine rock formations for burial grounds was likely a strategic effort to preserve arable land for agriculture, particularly grain production. The necropolis also contained terracotta ceramics, glass bottles, oil lamps, coins, and sandals, which were personal belongings of the deceased.
The pre-Christian tombs provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs of the region’s inhabitants, who placed significant importance on spiritual practices, including the use of items like lamps and amulets believed to have healing qualities or protective powers. These findings indicate that the people of Colossae held strong spiritual beliefs even before the writing of St. Paul’s letter, underscoring the cultural and religious significance of the site.