Publications
Die bronzezeitlichen Außensiedlungen von Troia
Recent excavations of the lower city at Troy, particularly during Tübingen-led campaigns (1987–2015), have revealed that Troy was a substantial proto-urban center, not just a minor fortified settlement. This challenges earlier assumptions about its size and role. The extensive settlement structures, fortification systems, and spatial organization outside the citadel indicate Troy's integration into broader economic and political networks during the Late Bronze Age (second millennium BCE). Its strategic location at the Dardanelles entrance facilitated long-distance trade and cultural exchange, positioning Troy as a 'contact zone' for Anatolian, Aegean, and Near Eastern traditions. The findings suggest Troy was an active participant in complex socio-political systems, rather than a peripheral observer, offering critical insights into Bronze Age connectivity and cultural dynamics.
Homer and Troy during the Final Years of the Empire
A significant shift in the protection of antiquities occurred during the final years of the Ottoman Empire, marked by stricter regulations introduced in 1884 and further tightened in 1907. These changes, including restrictions on excavating and visiting archaeological sites, significantly limited foreign access to historic treasures like Troy, reflecting broader efforts to preserve cultural heritage amid geopolitical transformations.
The Question of Wine Consumption in Early Bronze Age Troy: Organic Residue Analysis and the Depas amphikypellon
Recent organic residue analysis confirms that the depas amphikypellon, a cylindrical goblet with two curved handles from Early Bronze Age Troy, was indeed used for wine consumption. The study, conducted by researchers at the Institute of Prehistory, Early History, and Medieval Archaeology in Tübingen, identified high concentrations of fruit acids indicative of regular wine use in these vessels. Surprisingly, similar residues were also found in cups and beakers, suggesting that wine consumption may have been more widespread than previously assumed, challenging the notion that it was an exclusive emblem of the elite. This finding could potentially reshape our understanding of the distribution and consumption patterns of wine during the third millennium BCE if further examinations at other sites reveal similar trends.
Anatolian Bronze Age cities
Anatolian Bronze Age cities, particularly Troy and Hattusa, reveal distinct layers of historical significance. Troy, renowned for its association with the Trojan War, showcases two major periods—Troy II and VI—raising questions about the war's historicity. Archaeological excavations since 1870 have uncovered well-preserved structures, including city walls, gates, and religious buildings, providing tangible evidence of its past. Hattusa, the capital of the Hittites, an Indo-European society, offers insights into their advanced script and urban planning, with notable sites like the Great Temple and Yazılıkaya shrine. The study combines archaeological findings with historical analysis to shed light on these ancient civilizations' complexities.
Understanding Archaeological Site Topography: 3D Archaeology of Archaeology
Advancements in drone-based 3D recording technologies are significantly enhancing the understanding of archaeological site topography, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Troy. This study highlights how integrating 3D data with other information sources—such as old photographs and re-excavation findings—can deepen archaeological interpretations. The research emphasizes a problem-oriented approach to organizing and presenting vast amounts of 3D data, ensuring its effective use in excavation analysis, prospection, and visualization. Discussions from the CAA conference (2023) underscore the potential of combining these techniques with traditional methods to improve site documentation and analysis.
Maps
A comprehensive analysis of the Archaeological Site of Troy, located at Hisarlik in northwest Turkey, reveals its significance as a pivotal city in ancient Greek mythology and Mediterranean trade networks. The study highlights Troy's role during the Bronze Age to Iron Age transition, marked by farming village communities that relied on diverse agricultural economies, including domesticated animals and plants like olives and vines. Excavations have provided new insights into this transitional period, while also contextualizing Troy within broader historical events, such as the decline of Egypt's New Kingdom due to environmental and political pressures. The research integrates archaeological findings with historical records, offering a nuanced understanding of Troy's cultural and economic importance in the ancient world.
Clustering of Calibrated Radiocarbon Dates: Site-specific Chronological Sequences Identified by Dense Radiocarbon Sampling
A novel method for identifying distinct phases of activity at archaeological sites using hierarchical cluster analysis of calibrated radiocarbon (14C) dates has been developed. This approach, validated with both simulated and real-world data from the Bronze Age settlement of Troy, enables the recognition of periods of heightened human activity separated by inactivity gaps, which correspond to archaeological phases. The method uses silhouette coefficient and randomization tests for consistency and statistical significance, providing a robust framework for constructing site-specific chronological sequences. These sequences can then serve as Bayesian priors to refine 14C date distributions further. A Python implementation of the method is available online.
Designing an Experience: Maps and Signs at the Archaeological Site of Ancient Troy
A study of the Archaeological Site of Troy reveals that current maps and signage fail to enhance visitor experience, leading to confusion and visual clutter. The research, conducted through a content analysis in 2014, applies principles from semiotics of cartography and experiential graphic design to assess the effectiveness of wayfinding tools at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Findings indicate significant shortcomings in design, which hinder visitors' understanding and appreciation of Troy's cultural and historical significance.
Troy on Display: Scepticism and wonder at Schliemann’s first exhibition
Heinrich Schliemann's 1870s London exhibition of Troy artifacts marked a pivotal moment in the debate over whether Hissarlik, the site he excavated, was indeed Homer's Troy. Abigail Baker's analysis reveals that this exhibition bridged the gap between imagined and material Troy, shaping subsequent discourse on myth and archaeology. Unlike traditional debates focused on stratigraphy or Schliemann's credibility, Baker's work highlights how museums framed these encounters, influencing modern exhibitions like the British Museum's Troy: Myth and Reality (2019–20). Her approach shifts focus from textual arguments to the role of material culture in public perception.
Troya Müzesi ve Ören Yerinin Çanakkale Destinasyonunun Markalaşmasına Etkisi - The Effects of Troy Museum and Archaeological Site of Troy on the Branding Effort of Canakkale Destination
The Archaeological Site of Troy and the Troy Museum serve as pivotal elements in branding Çanakkale, enhancing its destination appeal. This study reveals that leveraging these globally recognized landmarks can create a distinctive brand identity for Çanakkale, setting it apart from competitors. By positioning Troy as an umbrella brand, the research demonstrates how it can anchor destination branding efforts while balancing other historical, natural, and cultural assets in the region. This approach is shown to accelerate tourism growth by integrating Troy's unique appeal into marketing strategies, thereby maximizing its attractiveness for target audiences.
Sustainable Cultural Heritage Management: Example of Troy Archaeological Site
A participative management model has been identified as effective for sustaining the cultural heritage values of Troy, an ancient city with significant historical background. This study, conducted through interviews with public institutions, local communities, and NGOs, highlights the need for improved interinstitutional coordination and increased public participation to ensure sustainable management. The research underscores the importance of a comprehensive management plan that integrates these elements to preserve Troy's cultural heritage effectively.
Domestic architecture in the Early Bronze Age of western Anatolia: the row-houses of Troy I
A reanalysis of the Early Bronze Age site of Troy reveals that its domestic architecture, characterized by flat-roofed, long-room dwellings arranged in rows and sharing lateral walls, diverges from previous interpretations. Unlike the proposed 'megaron' houses or the circular layout seen at Demircihüyük, Troy I's unique 'row-house' style was prevalent across western Anatolia during the early third millennium BC but not in neighboring regions like central Asia Minor or the Aegean. This study applies vernacular architecture concepts to Troy I and contemporary sites, shedding light on the social and cultural factors that shaped domestic architectural traditions in early third-millennium western Asia Minor.
The Archaeology of Greek and Roman Troy
Troy's evolution from a Bronze Age settlement to a Roman city and later a Homeric tourist destination is chronicled through comprehensive archaeological analysis. Charles Brian Rose reexamines the Trojan War's context, tracing social, economic, and religious developments in Troy and its surrounding region. The study synthesizes excavations from the 19th century to recent findings (post-1988), focusing on Greek and Roman-era settlements while also exploring how medieval Europe mythologized Trojan ancestry. By integrating historical records with material culture, Rose reconstructs Troy's transformation into a cultural symbol, offering new insights into its enduring legacy.
Arkeolojik Alanlarda Koruma Sorunları Kuramsal ve Yasal Açılardan Değerlendirme
Turkey's archaeological heritage, including sites like Troy, faces significant threats from both natural and human-made factors. The study highlights that while legal frameworks for cultural heritage protection have evolved since the late 19th century, challenges persist in documenting, preserving, and managing these sites effectively. Key findings emphasize the necessity of raising public awareness, securing financial support, and adopting multidisciplinary approaches to safeguard Turkey's diverse archaeological assets, which span from prehistoric to late medieval periods. The study also notes Turkey's adherence to international conventions like the Valletta Convention, aiming to align with global standards for archaeological heritage preservation.
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