A New Roman Necropolis and Its Contrubtions in the Gallipoli Historical Area

Abstract

A group of grave structures unearthed during the forest road opening works within the borders of the Gallipoli Historical National Park provide some interesting evidence about the condition of the region during the Roman period. The grave structures unearthed on a maquis slope overlooking the Anzac Cove in the vicinity of Conkbayiri were constructed using sandstone blocks specific to the region and were in the form of cist graves. Considering the location and characteristics of the graves as well as their stylistic features, it is understood that there is a small necropolis belonging to the Roman period in this area. After the excavations carried out by the experts of the Çanakkale Museum Directorate, it is understood that there were single burials in these graves, and the fact that many burial gifts were recovered from these graves makes these graves more qualified. Although they were built in a local style, the gifts recovered from the graves include terracotta oil lamps, jugs and unguanterium, as well as various glass artefacts and two Sestos city coins. All these finds show that these tombs were used during the Roman period and that the area was in close relations with some important centres of the period, especially with the surrounding cities.