Gültepe Necropolis

Gültepe Necropolis is an ancient burial site located in the İzmit district of Kocaeli. The term “necropolis” means a large city of the dead. This area was one of the burial grounds of Nicomedia, a major city in antiquity (modern-day İzmit).

This region provides important insights into the lives and beliefs of people who lived in the past. Just as we now visit parks and schools, ancient people buried their dead in special areas outside their cities.

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The remains found at Gültepe Necropolis date from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. This means the site was in use from approximately 2,300 years ago until about 1,000 years ago.

Hellenistic Period: The era following the death of Alexander the Great.

Roman Period: The time of a vast empire, roughly 2,000 years ago.

Byzantine Period: The continuation of the Roman Empire, approximately 1,700 years ago. This is much older than the time of your parents’ birth!

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The necropolis is situated in Gültepe Neighborhood, near the center of İzmit. The site was discovered by chance during a major road construction project, specifically while building a highway.

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Various types of tombs were uncovered at the burial site. These include long rectangular chamber tombs and burial rooms with wall paintings (frescoes). Additionally, remains of a Christian martyrium—a structure of great significance in Christian belief where martyrs were commemorated—and a church with a cruciform plan were discovered.

Among the grave goods found inside the tombs were everyday objects such as dice, tear bottles (small glass vessels), and mirrors. Archaeologists study these artifacts to understand how people lived and what they believed during that time.