Archaeologists in modern-day Turkey have uncovered 10 ancient tombs at the ancient Greek city of Aigeai (Greek: Αἰγαί), and some of the Hellenistic graves may have belonged to soldiers from the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon linked to Alexander the Great, according to the excavation’s scientific supervisor.
The tombs were found in Yumurtalık, a coastal district of Adana Province, at a city with deep ties to the Macedonian world. They form part of a large necropolis, or ancient cemetery, covering about 3.3 hectares.
Researchers have identified around 30 graves across the site so far. However, archaeologists have excavated only 10 of them. Much of the cemetery remains underground, raising the possibility of further discoveries as work continues.
Cemetery spans Hellenistic and Roman eras
The necropolis dates to the Hellenistic period but remained in use under Roman rule. Its long history is reflected in the different burial styles found across the site.
The newly excavated burials include several types of tombs. Some were carved directly into the bedrock. Archaeologists found chambers reached through corridors and steps, with platforms cut from the rock to hold the deceased. Other burials took the form of rectangular cist graves, defined or lined with stone and then covered.
Some cist graves had sides coated with lime mortar, while several preserve rosette motifs applied over the plaster. Demir said the graves had suffered repeated damage from the Middle Ages onward.
The graves also yielded pottery fragments, terracotta sarcophagi and small vessels described in the excavation announcement as “tear bottles.” Archaeologists generally call these narrow containers unguentaria.
Grave goods offer clues to burial customs
Unguentaria were common across the Hellenistic and Roman Mediterranean. They typically held perfumes, scented oils, ointments, or other valuable liquids and were often placed with the dead as funerary offerings. Despite the popular name “tear bottle,” there is no firm evidence that mourners used the vessels to collect tears.
Together with the tomb architecture, pottery and sarcophagi, the objects could help researchers identify different phases of burial activity. Demir explained that Macedonian soldiers founded Aigeai in memory of Alexander the Great. He said some of the Hellenistic graves may have belonged to those soldiers.
Graves may belong to Macedonian soldiers
Alexander defeated the Persian King Darius III at the Battle of Issus in 333 BCE, near this part of the northeastern Mediterranean. Demir’s earlier research places Aigeai’s foundation around 300 BCE, during the period of Alexander’s successors. The settlement later developed into an important naval base and cultural center.
Ancient tombs uncovered in Turkey may hold a remarkable link to Alexander the Great.
Archaeologists excavating Aigeai have found 10 Hellenistic and Roman-era graves, some of which may have belonged to Macedonian soldiers connected to the legendary conqueror. pic.twitter.com/Iret1Gxy3P
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) August 28, 2026
Aigeai continued to emphasize its Macedonian heritage under Roman rule. Demir wrote that the city claimed Macedonian origins and kinship with Argos, while members of its elite continued to present themselves as Macedonian in origin.
The cemetery could help researchers study people who lived at Aigeai closer to the period when the city was taking shape and determine whether any graves can be linked more firmly to its early Macedonian population.
Aigeai stood east of the Ceyhan River on the western side of the Gulf of İskenderun. It developed into an important harbor and naval center during the Hellenistic period and retained political and religious importance under Roman rule.
Port city prospered under Roman rule
By the second and third centuries CE, Aigeai was known for its Asklepieion, one of the healing sanctuaries of Asclepius found across the ancient Greek world. Earlier rescue excavations have also revealed evidence of the city’s prosperity.
Between 2013 and 2018, archaeologists uncovered Roman houses with elaborate mosaic floors along the city’s southern coast. One depicts Erotes fishing while riding hippocamps, surrounded by sea creatures. Another, known as the Spring Festival Mosaic, shows figures against a view of Aigeai, including the sea and a lighthouse.
Roman mosaics reveal prosperous city life
The mosaics date to around the late second century CE and decorated houses built around peristyles. The residences included living spaces, kitchens, storage areas, cisterns and workshops. While the houses reflect prosperous Roman life, the necropolis reveals how earlier generations commemorated their dead.
Differences in tomb construction, decoration and grave goods could help archaeologists trace changes in burial practices over time.
Archaeologists plan to preserve the tombs
The rescue excavation is being carried out by the Adana Museum Directorate. Associate Professor Faris Demir of Osmaniye Korkut Ata University is providing scientific supervision.
The excavation team is also preparing a project to protect the exposed tombs. Objects removed from the graves are undergoing conservation, and suitable finds are expected to eventually go on display at the Adana Museum.
Only 10 of the roughly 30 identified graves have been excavated. With work expected to continue until early September, further study may clarify whether some of the earliest burials belonged to Macedonian soldiers and reveal more about the people of ancient Aigeai.
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