Carian Princess’ Tomb, Golden Artifacts – Now On Display In Renovated Hall Of Bodrum Castle

Conny Waters - AncientPages.com - The tomb and golden jewels of the Bronze Age "Carian Princess," were unearthed during 1989 excavations of an ancient necropolis, located in the vicinity of the city of Halicarnassus, an ancient Greek city at what is now Bodrum, Turkey,  widely known for both historic treasures and rich history.

The sarcophagus of the "Carian Princess" is seen at the Bodrum Castle Underwater Archaeological Museum in Muğla, southwestern Turkey, Aug. 24, 2020. Image credit: AA

Archaeologists unearthed an ancient tomb and after they removed the lid of the sarcophagus placed in the middle of the burial chamber, which was still fully intact and perfectly preserved. It seemed as if the chamber had been built recently and not a long time ago.

Inside they found a skeleton of a woman with her arms crossed and decorated with golden trinkets. The results of "the anthropological skeletal analysis revealed that the woman had died at the age of 40. Moreover, her hip bone revealed that she had given birth to more than one child, and her teeth were found in good condition," writes Daily Sabah.

Also, the rich findings including the golden crown, indicate the tomb belonged to a person of high social status. It was also understood from the quality of her teeth that she had a high standard of living.

The golden crown found inside the tomb. Image credit: AA

Forensic facial reconstruction work on the skull revealed that the ancient noblewoman exhibited a likeness to two female marble busts found in the British Museum. Many researchers have pointed out to certain indications that the woman was a Carian Princess and some may believe, she could have been Queen Ada of Caria from the Hecatomnid Dynasty about 395–334 BC. However, because there was not enough scientific data for an exact identification, the individual in the tomb has since come to be referred to as the "Carian Princess."

Now the second stage of renovations of the treasures has been completed in the new hall of Bodrum Castle, and" the grave is open to visitors and has been attracting great attention from local and foreign holidaymakers alike," Bodrum Castle Underwater Archaeological Museum Director Hüseyin Toprak told Anadolu Agency (AA).

The original face mask of the Carian Princess made to adorn the skeleton. Image credit: AA via Daily Sabah

Toprak added that “the Tomb of the Carian Princess, and her golden crown and artifacts, in particular, are of great interest. The skeleton of the princess is also on display in this hall. A wax sculpture created by a new facial recognition technology can also be seen here.”

Moreover, the gold necklace and crown of the Carian Princess were on display on the hall's interactive screen and visitors could download a photograph adorned with the artifacts via a QR code.

“Because the Carian Princess was an important person, we are exhibiting the artifacts in a separate hall in the castle, Toprak said. "I would like to invite local and foreign holidaymakers visiting Bodrum to explore the renovated halls and historical areas, especially the Carian Princess' hall.”

Bodrum Castle was formerly known as Castle of St. Peter and is located in southwest Turkey in the port city of Bodrum 1402 onwards, by the Knights Hospitaller as the Castle of St. Peter or Petronium. The castle was completed in 1522. It was used as a jail in 19th century. There are 5 towers of Bodrum Castle.

Written by Conny Waters - AncientPages.com Staff Writer