Researchers uncover nearly 1,000-year-old sundial at Ani Ruins
The ancient artifact, found during excavations in 2021, highlights the diverse cultural and scientific achievements of historic Anatolia
A recently discovered sundial, estimated to be almost a thousand years old, is drawing widespread attention to the Ani Ruins in Turkey. The remarkable artifact was unearthed by archaeologists in 2021 within the expansive bath complex and was soon carefully restored by a team of experts. After restoration, the sundial quickly became a centerpiece at the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, where visitors have flocked to see it firsthand since its unveiling.
Experts emphasize the sundial’s scientific and historical significance, noting that it offers new insights into the daily life and technological capabilities of the people who inhabited ancient Anatolia. The design and craftsmanship provide important clues about the multicultural and advanced society that once thrived in Ani, recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The discovery has brought renewed energy to the Ani Ruins, a site already celebrated for its rich architectural and cultural heritage. Both local and international tourists are showing increased interest in the region, eager to learn more about the fascinating history encapsulated within the ruins and now, with the addition of this rare sundial, the advanced knowledge possessed by its former residents.
