Altıntepe Urartu Kalesi 2007 Yılı Kazı ve Onarım Çalışmaları

Excavations in the Urartian Temple. Mention of a unit paved with pebble stones without any decoration. This unit was interpreted as a courtyard in earlier reports but the evidence gained in 2006 shows that it is probably a pool or a water reservoir. Excavation and cleaning works in the area of the later apse of the Late Antique basilica. The architectural connection between the apse and the main hall has been cleared. The continuation of the mosaic decorating the main hall and originally extending further to the East below the later apse has been revealed. The numerous pebble chips and rests of glass tesserae below the mosaic pavement show that the interior decoration of the church started with wall mosaics, the rests of which were deposited below the opus tessellatum pavement.