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Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Hadrianopolis in Karabuk, northern Türkiye, have brought to light a fourth-century A.D. reception hall decorated with rare mosaic designs, marking a discovery that researchers describe as highly significant for both Black Sea and Anatolian archaeology.
The excavation team, led by Professor Ersin Celikbas of Karabuk University and operating under the Culture and Tourism Ministry’s "Heritage for the Future" project, concentrated this season on the site’s inner citadel.
Their work revealed a large chamber whose well-preserved mosaic flooring suggested to researchers that the room once served as a reception hall within a broader palace complex.
Celikbas said the identification of the structure as a reception hall helped clarify the architectural layout of Hadrianopolis, a settlement occupied during the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods.
He noted that the discovery stands out for the region, adding that it sheds new light on elite architecture in the Black Sea hinterland.
The newly uncovered mosaics display peacocks drinking from a fountain, as well as geometric patterns, ribbon motifs, and an eight-pointed star. According to Celikbas, the designs include “motifs not previously recorded in academic literature,” and about 80% of the mosaic surface has survived.
He added that some human figures were also detected, though they remain heavily damaged, and specialists cannot yet determine whether the imagery reflects mythological or religious themes.
Celikbas emphasized that certain patterns appear in Anatolia for the first time, explaining that their presence strengthens the site’s importance for regional archaeological research.
Excavations at Hadrianopolis will continue next year as the team aims to expose additional sections of the palace complex.
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The mayor of Eskipazar, Serkan Civa, said public interest in the site has been increasing, pointing out that Hadrianopolis recently received official “ruins” status, a designation granted to major archaeological sites in Türkiye.
He added that new visitor facilities will soon be introduced to accommodate rising tourist numbers.
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