Archaeologists working at the legendary site of Troy in northwestern Türkiye have announced the discovery of two remarkable artifacts: a finely crafted gold brooch dating back 4,500 years and an exceptionally rare jade stone.
A Landmark Discovery at Troy
Archaeologists uncovered the finds during ongoing excavations in the ancient settlement layers of Troy II, dating to around 2,500 BCE. According to Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the newly unearthed brooch is among the best-preserved examples of its kind anywhere in the world and represents one of the most significant discoveries at Troy in the last century.
A Glimpse into Early Bronze Age Craftsmanship
The gold brooch demonstrates the sophisticated metalworking skills of Troy’s Early Bronze Age inhabitants. Its design and workmanship suggest it was not merely a decorative accessory but also a symbol of status and wealth. Experts suggest that local artisans produced the piece, highlighting Troy’s role as a center of cultural and artistic innovation long before the city entered the pages of Homer’s Iliad.
Jade and Ancient Trade Routes
The jade stone discovered alongside the brooch is equally intriguing. Today, scholars identify known sources of jade in regions such as Central Asia and East Asia, particularly Afghanistan and China. Its presence in Troy indicates that the settlement was part of expansive trade networks stretching thousands of kilometers. The discovery challenges older assumptions that Bronze Age Troy was isolated and instead emphasizes the city’s role as a hub of long-distance exchange.
From Excavation to Exhibition
The Troy Museum in Çanakkale will house the artifacts, ensuring they remain in the region where archaeologists discovered them. This approach aligns with the principle of preserving archaeological heritage within its cultural landscape. Once conservation work is complete, the brooch and jade stone are expected to become centerpieces of the museum’s growing collection, offering visitors a direct link to Troy’s Early Bronze Age past.
Rewriting Troy’s Story
These discoveries underscore Troy’s importance not only as a setting of myth and legend but also as a thriving Bronze Age community connected to distant lands. As excavation efforts continue, archaeologists believe that further finds may reshape our understanding of the city that stood at the crossroads of East and West.
