Three well preserved elephant skulls dating to 7.7 million years ago, were recently discovered in excavations in the Caesarea area, central Turkey. This important revelation reinforces the importance of the area as a center of paleo -zoological research.

Excavations, which began in 2018 following a report of a local shepherd in 2017 near the Yamula Dam, are coordinated by the Caesarea Museum Department and are backed by the city municipality.

The discovery of the skulls took place in the Kozasann zone along the Kizilirmak River. In addition to the elephant skulls, archaeologists found a variety of prehistoric fossils From giraffes, mammoths, rhinoceros, horses (before they evolve into their present form), sheep without horns, goats, antelopes, turtles and pigs.

The “Year of the Elephant”

Archaeologist Omer Doug stressed the Turkish news agency Anadolu that interest is now focused on findings mainly related to elephants. “We can name this year, the year of the elephant”Doug characteristically said, as three skulls were found this year during just one excavation period.

According to his statements, “Since the excavations in 2018 began, we had found two skulls. But this year, in a single season, we discovered three ». One of the skulls is even maintained with the lower jaw, despite the fact that its tusks are partially damaged.

Radiometric analysis of minerals provides a clear date at 7.7 million years before. Most elephant fossils come from the Sevril area, which has now been described as a “elephant zone” due to the density of the findings.

International scientific interest in “Elephant Zone”

Omer Doug emphasized the importance of this excavation due to the large volume and the excellent preservation of fossils, which has caused the interest of the international scientific community. “The gathering of elephants in some places and the observed density provide information on the paleogeography of the site”he noted.

In addition to the relicsThis year’s discoveries also include fossils of horses, rhinoceros, as well as a miracle, enhancing the importance of the area to understand the ancient fauna of the wider area.