The Excavations at Boğazköy-Hattuša in 2015

Abstract

Work focused on the north section of the Lower City, where the investigation of a Bronze Age residential district commenced. The cultural development can be traced across three construction layers from the kārum period into the Hittite epoch. Exceptional finds like fragments of relief vases and of a goat-shaped drinking vessel are evidence of the importance of the site, where in Hittite times an official building is also attested in addition to housing. On the terrace west of Mıhraplıkaya, investigations continued into a monumental building from the Roman Imperial period. A surprisingly elaborate decor with wall paintings was found along with further indications of a connection to water; the building was possibly a sanctuary. Explorations in the vicinity of a presumed military camp from the late Roman period revealed evidence of extensive architecture. Restoration work concentrated on the Postern Wall, one section of which was completed.