In the heart of Anatolia, modern Turkey, lies the ancient city of Aizanoi, where the sands of time have revealed a treasure trove of beauty secrets from the Roman era. Archaeologists have recently unearthed remnants of cosmetic products, jewelry, and makeup materials, offering us a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Roman women over 2,000 years ago.
Aizanoi, known for its well-preserved Temple of Zeus, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2012, has once again made headlines in the world of archaeology. Headed by Gokhan Coskun, an archaeologist at Dumlupinar University, the excavation team focused their efforts in the agora (marketplace) east of the Temple of Zeus. What they found surpassed their expectations.
Coskun explains that their work extended not only inside the shops but also around them, leading to a wealth of discoveries. Inscriptions uncovered during these excavations provide insights into how these ancient shops were established and operated, shedding light on the city's commercial and social structure. One of the most exciting finds was a shop that specialized in selling cosmetic products.
Coskun elaborates, "During the excavation here, we encountered a large number of perfume bottles. In addition to these, there are jewelry items. Among these, there are various beads belonging to products such as hairpins and necklaces used by women." These remnants leave no doubt that makeup and adornment were important aspects of Roman women's lives. Perhaps the most intriguing discovery was the makeup materials themselves.
Coskun reveals, "One of the most surprising findings was that we came across makeup pigments similar to blush and eyeshadow used today. Of course, they are not in a very well-preserved state. Sometimes they are found in 1 or 2-millimeter pieces. We also found well-preserved pieces during the excavation." Intriguingly, these makeup pigments were often housed inside oyster shells, a clever and innovative packaging choice by the Romans.
Coskun adds, "We also encountered a large number of oyster shells in the shop we excavated." The predominant colors discovered were red and pink, with makeup pigments found in 10 different hues, showcasing the diversity of cosmetics available even in ancient times. Aizanoi's history is a tapestry woven with threads from various eras. Located 57 kilometers from the city center of Kutahya, the ancient site enjoyed its golden age in the second and third centuries AD, eventually becoming the center of the episcopacy in the Byzantine era.
Recent excavations around the Temple of Zeus have revealed multiple layers of settlement dating as far back as 3000 BC. In 133 BC, it fell under the rule of the Roman Empire, leaving behind traces of their rich culture and lifestyle. The rediscovery of Aizanoi by European travelers in 1824 marked the beginning of its modern archaeological exploration. Subsequent efforts by the German Archaeology Institute between 1970 and 2011 unearthed a wealth of ancient structures, including a theater, stadium, public baths, gymnasium, bridges, a trading building, necropolises, and the sacred cave of Metre Steune, a cultist site believed to predate the first century BC.
Since 2011, Turkish archaeologists have taken the reins of exploration, with this year's excavations transferring to the Kutahya Museum Directorate, allowing them to continue uncovering the secrets of Aizanoi's past. The unearthing of Roman-era makeup materials in Aizanoi not only offers a captivating glimpse into the past but also underscores the timelessness of human desire for self-expression and adornment. These cosmetic remnants, carefully preserved for over two millennia, are a testament to the enduring pursuit of beauty, connecting us with the Roman women who once walked the same streets of Aizanoi, their beauty rituals echoing through the ages.
