During excavations at the 2,200-year-old Roman fountain in northwest Turkey, near the historic site of Assos, a 2,300-year-old lead weight was found.

During excavations at the Roman-era nymphaeum to the east of the Agora in the Assos archaeological site, a lead weight dating back 2,300 years to the 3rd century B.C. and weighing 320 grams was discovered, Çanakkale, Türkiye, Aug. 15, 2023. (IHA Photo)

Initial findings indicate that the object is the greatest weight ever discovered. The griffin, a mythical animal of enormous cultural significance who was even included on the city's coinage, is shown in intricate detail on the weight. It's interesting to note that in certain depictions, the city's name is shortened to "ASS."

Professor Nurettin Arslan of the Faculty of Science and Letters at the Archaeology Department of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University is in charge of the ongoing excavations.

The excavations continue at the ancient site of Assos, Çanakkale, Türkiye, Aug. 15, 2023. (IHA Photo)

The Turkish team began excavations in 1981, following the U.S. team's brief explorations in 1881–1883; according to Arslan, this year marks the 42nd year of active excavations. The ongoing excavations in this area will start in 2022 with a primary goal of locating the historical remains of diverse constructions from various eras. The hostelry structures, called "ksenedochion" in Byzantine, "nymphaeum" in Roman, and "gymnasium" in Hellenistic times, are a few of the notable aspects being investigated.

The implementation phase for authorized restoration projects is about to begin, according to Arslan, the head archaeologist, who has provided a detailed vision for the future. The most important of these initiatives is the restoration of the old theater, which, if completed, is expected to develop into a thriving center for events like concerts and festivals, transforming Assos into an alluring tourist destination.

Professor Nurettin Arslan from the Faculty of Science and Letters at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University shows the artifacts found at the Assos ancient city, Çanakkale, Türkiye, Aug. 15, 2023. (IHA Photo)

We haven't finished digging here yet. Although it hasn't been thoroughly examined, the area between this fountain and the bedrock has proven to be an intriguing source of archaeological treasures. This region, which served as a storehouse in the third and fourth century A.D., has given us a lot of information. We revealed a number of amazing discoveries made in this area the previous year. Building on that momentum, this year's efforts have produced a wide range of artifacts. Among them are notable utilitarian objects like earthenware and containers that provide insight into late Roman Assos' daily life.

"Small terracotta sculptures that are thought to have been used in religious rituals further enhance the story. Tableware fragments and a large number of animal bones, mostly those of huge cattle, were also discovered. Our investigation has uncovered proof of the ingestion of pigs, goats, and sheep. While pigs seem to have been a mainstay, it is significant that other species were also there. We eagerly anticipate the in-depth analyses of expert scholars on this zoological collection for a more thorough understanding, he added.

The object in front of us, a lead weighing unit, has a special place in Assos's historical narrative. These weights, a physical reminder of a bygone period, had local significance for each city and were primarily used for trade and accurate measurement of goods. Similar examples have been found in Hellenistic graves, however those specimens were distinguished by lighter weights. But this particular lead weight is heavier than its predecessors, weighing in at about 320 grams. Its roots, which may be traced to the late Roman Assos in the second century B.C., provide a link to the city's earlier times. The archaeologist explained that this relic, which dates to a period when the Agora played a significant role, "serves as a monument to the careful processes of commerce and measuring that once thrived within Assos's busy marketplace.