Erzurum Kale (Erzurum)

Erzerum Kale is on a hilltop in the centre of the modern city and commands a view of the surrounding area. Erzerum has been an important strategic city since it was refounded as Theodosiopolis by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius in the 5th century AD and has been occupied by a succession of conquerors, including Sassanians, Arabs and Turks.

Excavations by Erzurum Museum began in 2000 and they have been under the direction of Alpaslan Ceylan since 2005. Work is being undertaken in a series of 10 x 10 m squares and is gradually revealing the medieval fortress. Twelve or thirteen cultural layers have been identified, including military features of the Republican period.

2007

In 2007 seven areas were excavated, revealing five architectural phases. Features included a tandır, an oven and water pipes that distributed water from springs within the kale. The pottery was not diagnostic although it included glazed vessels. Spolia from earlier phases are also being investigated.