1,800-Year-Old Roman Villa Mosaics Emerge from Ancient Pompeiopolis Excavations
Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Pompeiopolis in Türkiye's Kastamonu Province are revealing spectacular floor mosaics from a luxurious 1,800-year-old Roman villa that is believed to rank among the three largest Roman villas ever discovered in Anatolia. The discovery is shedding new light on the wealth, architecture, and lifestyle of the Roman elite who once lived in northern Asia Minor.
The excavation is being carried out in the Taşköprü district under the direction of Associate Professor Dr. Mevlüt Eliüşük of Karabük University, on behalf of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Now entering another intensive excavation season, researchers are working to expose, conserve, and document the villa's magnificent decorative floors before they suffer irreversible damage.Image Credit : Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism
One of Anatolia's Largest Roman Villas
The sprawling residence covers an estimated 3,000 square metres (more than 32,000 square feet), making it one of the largest Roman villas identified anywhere in Anatolia.
Although excavations first began in 2006, archaeologists believe that only part of the luxurious complex has been uncovered. Geophysical evidence suggests the villa may extend beyond the currently excavated area, raising the possibility that an even larger residence lies buried beneath the surrounding landscape.
Researchers believe the estate most likely belonged to a wealthy Roman official or member of the provincial ruling elite, reflecting the prosperity enjoyed by Pompeiopolis during the height of the Roman Empire.
Remarkable Mosaics Return to the Light
The main focus of the 2026 excavation season is the careful conservation of the villa's intricate floor mosaics.
Specialists are painstakingly cleaning, stabilizing, and restoring each section before continuing with excavation. Every mosaic panel is documented in detail to ensure its artistic and archaeological value is preserved for future generations.
According to the excavation team, continued conservation is essential because exposure to weather and environmental changes could quickly damage the ancient artwork if left untreated.
The exceptional craftsmanship displayed in the mosaics has drawn comparisons with the world-famous mosaics of Zeugma, another of Türkiye's most celebrated Roman archaeological sites.
The comparison highlights the high artistic standards achieved by Roman mosaic workshops operating across Anatolia nearly two millennia ago.
Inside the Villa's Grand Dining Hall
Among the most impressive areas currently under restoration is the villa's triclinium, the formal dining room where elite Roman families entertained guests during lavish banquets.
The room covers approximately 112 square metres and contains some of the villa's finest decorative flooring.
Restoration work began during the previous excavation season, when approximately 10 square metres of mosaic flooring were successfully conserved. Archaeologists are continuing the work throughout a four-month campaign, gradually revealing more of the elaborate geometric and decorative patterns that once impressed wealthy visitors.
The triclinium offers valuable insight into Roman domestic life, illustrating how architecture, art, and social customs combined to display status and prestige.
A Residence Used for Four Centuries
Researchers estimate that the villa was constructed during the 2nd century AD and remained occupied until the 6th century AD.
This unusually long period of continuous use provides archaeologists with an archaeological record spanning approximately 400 years, allowing them to study changing architectural styles, household activities, and the evolution of Roman life through Late Antiquity.
Each layer of occupation contributes to a broader understanding of how Pompeiopolis developed as political, economic, and cultural conditions changed across the Roman world.
International Team Driving the Excavation
This year's project brings together 45 specialists, including archaeologists, architects, conservators, and restoration experts.
The international team also includes 15 archaeologists from Italy, working alongside Turkish researchers to document and preserve one of northern Türkiye's most important Roman archaeological discoveries.
Their combined expertise allows excavation and conservation to proceed simultaneously, ensuring that fragile mosaics receive immediate protection as they emerge from the ground.
A New Cultural Landmark for Northern Türkiye
Beyond its scientific importance, archaeologists believe the Roman villa could become a major destination for cultural tourism.
Plans are underway to develop visitor infrastructure that will eventually allow the public to experience the restored mosaics while ensuring their long-term preservation.
Officials hope the site will strengthen tourism throughout Kastamonu Province and the wider Black Sea region, complementing Türkiye's growing network of internationally significant archaeological attractions.
Rediscovering the Grandeur of Pompeiopolis
Founded during the Roman period, Pompeiopolis was one of the principal cities of ancient Paphlagonia, occupying a strategic position along important trade and communication routes in northern Anatolia.
The newly uncovered villa demonstrates that the city was not only an administrative centre but also home to affluent residents who invested heavily in luxurious architecture and fine artistic decoration.
As excavations continue through the current season, archaeologists expect to uncover additional rooms, architectural features, and decorative elements that will further illuminate life inside one of Anatolia's grandest Roman residences.
With every restored mosaic, Pompeiopolis is reclaiming another piece of its remarkable past, offering an increasingly vivid picture of Roman civilization in northern Türkiye nearly two thousand years ago.