Ancient burial tombs contain strange artifacts discovered in Izmir, Turkey

Ancient burial tombs contain bones and various artifacts belonging to an aristocratic family found in Turkey's Izmir province.

Burial tombs were discovered during an excavation at the ancient Metropolis city in Torbalı district, about 40 km southeast of İzmir.

This discovery marks the first time a burial tomb is found in the old city, similar to the tombs that were excavated before.

Archaeologists also discovered bronze mirrors, spoons, glass and ceramic bottles and lights inside the tomb, according to Anadolu Agency.

The lights are determined to be buried with the dead in order to "light the path of the dead in the afterlife".

The excavation chief, Professor Serdar Aybek, said the burial tombs gave important clues to the cultural and social practices of the ancient people living in Metropolis.

Similar excavations in collaboration with the Sabancı Foundation have been completed, shedding light on the mysteries of life, commerce and social activities at Metropolis.

It is known that over 11,000 artifacts have been excavated from the ancient city during excavation.

The history of Metropolis began in the Neolithic period. The city organized a number of civilizations, including the Hittites, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

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