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When workers began digging for Istanbul’s Marmaray subway project in 2004, they expected to uncover layers of history—but they never imagined what lay beneath.
Instead of routine archaeological finds, they stumbled upon the remnants of a massive Byzantine harbor, buried for centuries beneath modern Istanbul.
A Gateway to Constantinople
Known as the Harbor of Theodosius, this ancient shipyard was the busiest port of Constantinople during the Byzantine Empire.
Constructed in the 4th century AD, the harbor served as a critical hub for trade, connecting Europe and Asia through the Bosphorus Strait.
Over time, however, the harbor was gradually filled with silt from the nearby Lycus River and eventually disappeared beneath the expanding city.
A Treasure Trove of Shipwrecks
The excavations at Yenikapı, as the site is known today, revealed an astonishing 37 shipwrecks—making it the largest collection of medieval ships ever discovered.
The vessels ranged from small fishing boats to massive Byzantine cargo ships, offering a glimpse into ancient maritime technology.
Many of these ships were remarkably well-preserved, with some even containing their original wooden hulls and cargo.
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More Than Just Ships
Sole of a woman’s shoe, found on site
Beyond the shipwrecks, archaeologists uncovered thousands of artifacts that paint a vivid picture of life in ancient Constantinople.
Pottery, tools, coins, and even human remains were unearthed, along with traces of wooden piers, stone docks, and storage facilities that once bustled with activity.
Among the most intriguing finds was evidence of prehistoric settlements, pushing back Istanbul’s known history by thousands of years.
Preserving the Past in a Modern City
The discovery of the Harbor of Theodosius forced a delicate balance between preserving history and pushing forward with modern infrastructure.
Archaeologists raced to document and conserve as much as possible before construction resumed.
Today, while the subway runs smoothly beneath the city, the treasures of Yenikapı are carefully preserved, reminding us that Istanbul’s layered history is still unfolding.
Istanbul is often called the city where East meets West—but it’s also a city where past meets present. And sometimes, all it takes to unearth a forgotten world is a little digging.
Until next time,
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