Archaeology 101

 Archaeology 101 in Western Turkey

Artemis temple reconstructed over 100 years

Anastylosis is an archaeological and conservation term that refers to reconstructing or restoring a structure or artefact by reassembling its original, often fragmented, components. 

This method typically involves using original pieces found and recovered 'in-situ' or on-site, carefully reassembling them in their original configuration rather than recreating or replacing missing parts with modern new materials.

The goal is to preserve as much of the original material as possible while stabilising and rebuilding the structure to allow for its continued preservation and study. Sometimes archaeologists deem it better to leave the job for a future time when better technology will be available.

Artemis Temple at Sardis

Artemis temple ruins in Sardis

At first blush, the ruins of the Artemis temple in Sardis look in disarray, but as one takes a closer look, one realises the immense scale of the excavation and the sheer size of the 10-ton marble blocks that needed to be carefully recovered and reconstructed.

 

100-year-old crane, now a relic

The above Demir VincIron Crane made by Dorman Long of Middlesborough in Sussex, now seemingly rudimentary, was brought by rail in September 1911 to help the Howard Crosby Butler expedition move marble blocks weighing 5 tons at the Artemis Temple in Sardis.

Synagogue at Sardis

The restoration of the synagogue at Sardis, one of the largest and best-preserved dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, roughly between the 2nd and 7th centuries AD, gave us a remarkable close-up view of the slow and deliberate process of Anastylosis. 

This synagogue rediscovered in the 1960s during excavations led by the Harvard-Cornell Archaeological Exploration, is notable for its elaborate mosaics, inscriptions, and decorative architectural elements, which reflect the wealth and cultural sophistication of the Jewish community in Sardis.

Artefacts such as menorahs, Hebrew and Greek inscriptions, and decorative mosaics provide insight into Jewish religious and social life during this era, challenging earlier assumptions that Jewish communities in the Roman Empire were marginalised.

Based on the meticulous reconstruction, we now know that the Jewish community was most certainly a well-integrated and prosperous one, as is evidenced by the synagogue’s grandeur.

Stages of Anastylosis 

1] Initial Excavations (1960s-1970s): 

Archaeologists unearthed the synagogue, revealing its main features, including the apse, benches, bema, and intricate floor mosaics. 

Excavation of an ancient Roman road

From the ongoing excavations of a nearby Roman road, one sees that approximately 6 to 10 feet of topsoil have to be removed to get to the baseline

2] Reconstruction: 

Some missing or collapsed architectural elements, such as columns and capitals, were restored to offer visitors a clearer picture of the synagogue’s original appearance. 

Numbered blocks are used to carefully reconstruct a wall

The above photo shows how fallen blocks are carefully numbered before being cleaned and reassembled.

3] Structural Stabilization: 

Archaeological teams carefully stabilised the remaining walls and columns, preventing further site degradation. New material used sparingly appears as modern red bricks and white cement.

Weather-proof covering to protect the mosaics

The team subsequently added a weatherproof covering to prevent degradation of the mosaics due to the harsh elements.

4] Mosaic Conservation: 

The colourful mosaics depicting geometric patterns were carefully cleaned, repaired, and protected to preserve their intricate designs. 

Short video of a mosaic being reconstructed

We were lucky to witness a team of local women expertly reassembling a small patch of mosaic no more than 18 inches square that probably took them the better part of a day.