The recent discovery of 131 cuneiform tablets at Kayalipinar, Turkey, brings the total to 184, making it “the most comprehensive Hittite archive discovered in this century.”
“Remains of what appears to be the world’s oldest shipwreck have been found near the island of Kekova, off the southwest coast of Turkey.” The Early Bronze Age vessel was carrying amphorae likely containing oil or wine.
“Fragments of two massive statues depicting Ramesses II were discovered by accident by a farmer working on his land in a northern Egyptian village.”
Thomas E. Levy reviews the “Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold” exhibition in London and marvels at the lack of mention of the biblical exodus. He notes as well the absence of the Merneptah Stele.
The Agios Athanasios site in Greece, popularly known as the “School of Homer,” will be transformed into an archaeological park and opened to the public.
Greece’s National Archaeological Museum has extended its temporary exhibition, “Pylos of Nestor: A Mycenaean Kingdom Revealed,” until Sunday, 31 January 2027.
New release: The Synagogue at Sardis: Archaeological Exploration of Sardis Reports, by Andrew R. Seager, Frank Moore Cross, Jane DeRose Evans, et al. ($120)
A Roman imperial marble torso sold at Sotheby’s for $34.3 million, setting an auction record for a Roman antiquity. Sotheby’s has more information about the artifact.
“Retired Turkish archaeology professor Fahri Isik has raised concerns over the growing number of archaeology departments in Türkiye, arguing that universities should prioritize academic expertise, research infrastructure and long-term institutional development rather than simply opening new programs.”
Jason Borges is offering free reviews of itineraries for biblical tours in Turkey.
HT: Agade, Ted Weis, Explorator