Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Finally, excavation work has begun at Lystra, a site of profound importance not just for Konya and Anatolian history, but also for world heritage, religious traditions, and Christian history.
The archaeologists work under the supervision of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with support from Konya Metropolitan and Meram Municipalities, and are focused on a church site that was partially revealed last year and whose existence had been documented in historical records.
Excavation at the ancient city of Lystra, a key site in world and Christian history, has begun, Konya, Türkiye, Sept. 1, 2024. IHA Photo
Although archaeologists have worked in the area for only about a month, they have discovered a structure that appears to be a 30-meter-long basilica, most likely the main church of the ancient sacred city of Lystra.
The team has identified the church’s second chapel. The city’s church has four distinct phases. Based on the surviving remains, the original structure appears to have been richly constructed. The ceilings and walls bear traces of gold gilding, indicating a high level of craftsmanship. The presence of floor decorations further underscores the building’s significance in its time.
It had a wooden roof and its interior was adorned with gilded mosaics,” explained Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mimiroğlu, adding that the structure was most probably destroyed during the Islamic conquests. The team have detected traces of a major fire, and worh to determine the temperature of the fire are ongoing.
However, this structure dated back to the 6th century BC, was actively used until the 8th century.
The ancient city of Lystra was a colonial city during the Roman period. Due to its historical significance, it has been a focal point for historians and archaeologists for more than 150 years.
Archaeologist and New Testament Scholar Sir William Mitchell Ramsay wrote in 1907: “Excavation at Lystra is urgently needed in the interests of history and New Testament study”. He wrote in 1941: “One hopes that some enthusiast will spend the money needed to clear up the topography of Lystra; and some fragments, at present valueless, may be completed by his discoveries”.
There have been numerous attempts by historians and archaeologists to explore this site.
Located south of the city of Konya (‘Iconium’ in the New Testament) and about 30 kilometers (19 mi) north of the village of Hatunsaray, the town, mentioned in the Bible’s fifth book, is where St. Paul spread Christianity. Lystra was one of the cities visited by Saint Paul and is honored for the spread of early Christianity.
“Evil eye beads, turquoise in color, are a find unique to the Turks. The turquoise here seems to indicate that the belief in evil eyes was particularly associated with this color, evolving into the evil eye bead that has become synonymous with our country,” according to excavation director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilker Mete Mimiroglu). Image credit: DHA
Saint Paul visited Lystra in the 1st century. After he healed an invalid during his visit, he was mistaken by the people for Zeus, Hermes, and Barnabas, “excavation head Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlker Mete Mimiroğlu said.
“The events that followed are recognized as one of the most essential miracles, especially in the Christian world, and one of the events that laid the foundation of Christianity.
In this context, Lystra is actually one of the important pilgrimage centers for the Christian world and a very well-known place.”
“The excavation team will continue its work within the ruins of the church to show whether it was the church or not,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mimiroğlu said.
According to the researcher, the team’s initial findings suggest that the church, constructed in late antiquity, has experienced multiple phases of repair and continued use throughout its history. Naturally, we will be able to clarify these chronological developments and transformations more precisely once the excavation is complete.
Image credit: DHA
“Evil eye beads, turquoise in color, are a find unique to the Turks. The turquoise here seems to indicate that the belief in evil eyes was particularly associated with this color, evolving into the evil eye bead that has become synonymous with our country,” said excavation director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilker Mete Mimiroglu, who noted the discovery of evil eye beads in two children’s graves , unearthed at the site.
“St. Paul, who started to spread Christianity in Konya, was provoked by the Jews in Konya and Yalvaç and was stoned and thrown out of the city, saying he was dead. Afterwards, he was not deterred and constantly visited the city on his travels and spread Christianity here,” explained Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilker Mete Mimiroglu, and added that St. Paul “even had a disciple here, just like in Konya.
Born at Lystra, Lycaonia, St. Timothy is one of the most prominent early saints and the spiritual son of St. Paul, who was also his close friend and confidant.
It is known that Christianity became widespread in Lystra from the 50s A.D. onwards, and a church organization was established.”
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
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