Heraion Teikhos is a Thracian ancient settlement located in the Marmara Region of Türkiye, within the borders of Tekirdağ Province. It lies along the Istanbul–Tekirdağ highway, approximately 10–15 kilometers east of the Tekirdağ city center, near the village of Karaevli. The site is situated on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, to the east of the mouth of the Çitlembik Stream, in an area known as Karaevlialtı.

^{Heraion Teikhos Ancient City (Türkiye Culture Portal)}

History

The settlement history of Heraion Teikhos dates back as early as the 3rd millennium BCE. The stratigraphic layers of this mound-type settlement reveal cultural traces spanning from the 6th century BCE to the 1st century CE. It is known that colonists from the island of Samos settled in the area in the 8th century BCE. The city witnessed a significant battle in 342/1 BCE between the Thracian King Cersobleptes and Philip II of Macedon. According to Demosthenes, the defeat of Cersobleptes led to the city's incorporation into the Macedonian realm. During the Hellenistic Period, the fortification system underwent modifications, and some areas began to be used as a necropolis.

Architectural Features

At the center of the settlement lies the acropolis, which is surrounded by fortification walls and features a two-towered gate on its northern side. Part of the fortification system was built in the 6th century BCE and remained in use until the era of Alexander the Great. During the Hellenistic Period, the eastern walls were removed to accommodate a necropolis, and new fortifications were constructed toward the southeast. On the acropolis, there is a sacred area and a temple dedicated to Hera/Kybele. The earliest construction phase of the temple dates back to the 7th century BCE, while a large temple was built in the 2nd century BCE. The main chamber of the temple measures approximately 18 x 11 meters and is decorated with frescoes and stucco.

Surrounding the temple is a Cult and Healing Center, which includes structures such as medicinal kilns and votive pits. This complex has been documented with finds such as terracotta figurines, medical instruments, and animal bones from the offering pits. Additionally, numerous loom weights and spindle whorls found in the area around the temple suggest the presence of textile workshops.

^{Heraion Teikhos Ancient City (Süleymanpaşa Municipality)}

Archaeological Findings

Excavations at the site have uncovered a total of 29 arrowheads made of bronze and iron. Of these, 23 have been analyzed and dated according to their stratigraphic layers. The bronze arrowheads are classified into two main types: double-winged with tangs and three-winged with sockets. The iron arrowheads fall into three categories: square-sectioned with tangs, double-winged with tangs, and three-winged with tangs. Most of these arrowheads are dated to the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE. The Thracian metalworking in this area shows similarities to forms found in Hellenistic settlements.

In addition, a wide variety of archaeological artifacts have been discovered, including red-figure pottery, Kerch-style vases, stamped amphora handles, coins, and stone hand axes. These findings provide evidence of the settlement's trade and cultural interactions with Greece and the Aegean islands.

Excavation and Restoration Works

Excavations began in 2000 under the direction of Prof. Dr. Neşe Atik and are still ongoing. The main focus of the excavations is the temple area dedicated to Hera. The archaeological findings document various aspects of life in the ancient city, including ritual practices, medicine, and craftsmanship. As part of the project titled “Heritage for the Future,” it is planned to open the ancient settlement to visitors.