Egyptian amulet discovered in Roman-era ruins in Turkey

CAIRO – 14 November 2022: Archaeologists excavating the ruins of the Roman era in the ancient city of Amasra [Amastris] in Turkey have unearthed a strange discovery of a seal on an Egyptian amulet depicting the shape of a pyramid with hieroglyphs and ancient Egyptian symbols engraved on it, providing an element of mystery and suspense surrounding the discovery.

Amasra is located in the region of northern Turkey in the Bartin Province. The site in the district of Amasra was designated for the construction of a school in 2014. When construction began there, some remains were discovered believed to be from the Roman period, according to the ancient-origins website.

Excavations to save the monuments started by the Directorate of Amasra Museum under the direction of Bartin University in 2017, which led to the discovery of some columns and other architectural remains. Five 6-meter (19.68 ft) columns were found resting on marble plinths carved with eagle motifs on a 2-acre (2,000 sq. m) plot. Ninety-six coins and 122 other artifacts of various sizes from the Roman era were also discovered.

"It is possible to say that this is the only example found in a Roman temple in Anatolia," Dr. Fatma Bagdatli Çam, Head of Archeology at Bartin University, explained when discussing the Egyptian amulet with Hurriyet newspaper. "It was a discovery that got us excited."

The Egyptian amulet is in the form of a pyramidal seal, 2 cm (0.78 in) high. A right hand holding a sword, wings and various demotic Egyptian letters is inscribed on the amulet with a square base that gradually decreases to a pyramidal shape. It is made of obsidian.