Turkey

Matiate

Underground city beneath Midyat, southeastern Turkey

Location

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Historical Context

About

Matiate is an archaeological site underneath the town of Midyat, in Mardin province, Turkey. It is assumed to have been in use for 1,900 years, at its peak to have been inhabited by up to 70,000 people and is considered to be the largest such system in the world.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Underground refuge use

1st–6th century CE

Origins of the settlement

2nd–3rd century CE

Chance discovery during renovations

2020

Visible rooms recorded by excavators

2022

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Storage Structures

Silos
category

Miscellaneous Features

Underground Tunnels
category

Water Management Features

Wells
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Catacombs
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Religious and Ritual Structures

ChurchesSynagogues
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

CavesCitiesTowns
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Modified Caves
category

Food Production and Processing Features

Wineries
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Turkey

Coordinates

37.42° N, 41.37° E