Archaeologists have unearthed millefiori glass plaques dating back to the 5th century CE at the ancient port city of Andriake, located in the Demre district of Antalya, Turkey.
This find is part of the ongoing “Heritage to the Future” project led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with Akdeniz University. The millefiori plaques, notable for their intricate floral and geometric patterns, are considered one of Turkey’s most significant archaeological discoveries this year.
Andriake served as the port for Myra, one of the most prominent cities in ancient Lycia. It is also believed to be the place where Saint Paul and his fellow prisoners were boarded on a ship to Italy. The unearthed millefiori plaques are made using a complex glassmaking technique that dates back to the Roman period. The technique involves fusing glass rods of different colors to form intricate designs, which resemble flowers. The term “millefiori” is derived from the Italian words for “a thousand flowers.”
The plaques discovered at Andriake are unique, both for their abundance and their variety. While millefiori glass has been found in other parts of the world, this is the first time such a vast collection has been uncovered in Turkey. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, in a social media post, described the discovery as one of the most important archaeological findings of the year, highlighting the delicate craftsmanship involved in creating the plaques.
The millefiori plaques were found in the Customs Area of Andriake’s agora, specifically in a structure referred to as “Structure 42.” This building is believed to have been an important administrative or government facility, given its prominent location and the high-quality decorative materials used in its interior. Alongside the plaques, archaeologists uncovered square and round glass rosettes, glass frames, and other decorative elements, suggesting that the interior was richly adorned.
Professor Nevzat Cevik, the head of the Myra-Andriake excavation team, said, “We have not encountered this type of glass technique in Turkey, except for 1-2 pieces. Each panel, with its unique floral designs, demonstrates a luxurious wall covering material.” The excavation team has already pieced together 20-30 panels from hundreds of small fragments, with more yet to be reassembled.
In addition to the millefiori plaques, other forms of ancient craftsmanship were discovered at the site. These include figures of birds, camels, and saints made using the opus sectile technique, a method of arranging small, cut pieces of colored stone or glass to form intricate patterns and images. The discovery of opus sectile decorations is notable, as it was a common technique used in the Roman and Byzantine Empires for decorating floors and walls in important buildings. The presence of these decorations in Andriake suggests that the city had access to advanced artistic techniques typically found in larger urban centers.
Archaeologists also found evidence suggesting that glass production may have taken place locally in Andriake. Uncut glass rods were discovered near the panels, further supporting the idea that the city was a hub of craftsmanship and trade. Other artifacts, including coins and ceramics, have helped the team date the millefiori plaques to the 5th and 6th centuries CE.
The discovery of millefiori plaques and opus sectile decorations challenges previous assumptions that such sophisticated techniques were limited to the larger cities of the Roman and Byzantine empires. It indicates that Andriake, despite its more remote location, was part of a well-developed trade network that allowed for the exchange of advanced artistic and decorative methods.
