Byzantine Finds outside of the city of Nicaea – Iznik

Many archaeological digs continue to reveal beautiful finds, such as the fresco of Jesus the Good Shepherd in Iznik. Some key and extraordinary archaeological finds have been found outside the ancient walls of Nicaea (Iznik) in Türkiye. Let’s consider what they are, and if you visit them, you’ll most likely need extra time to find them.

Hisardere Necropolis – Jesus the Good Shepherd

In 2025, an archaeologist discovered more amazing Byzantine ruins about 3 kilometres northeast of the city. In the small village of Hisardere, researchers uncovered many ancient tombs. I have seen items and graves dating back to before the 6th century that clearly honor Christ as the shepherd. He is a good shepherd in life and will raise us from the dead.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, ESV). He not only cares for us but also he sacrificially died for us. In the second Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, the main entry way had 12 sheep with Christ as the shepherd.^[1]In my write-up about this building, I show a picture of the sheep. His humble beginnings as a shepherd and giving his life for us, was the call of believers. We follow in his path and live humbly. This imagery is found in Galla Placidia Mausoleum in Ravenna in how Jesus is the shepherd who will protect us in death.^[2]this link is my YouTube video of my visit.

Good Shepherd and Death

This 3rd-century fits the early church’s depiction of Christ. The shepherd cares for the sheep and will resurrect them. John 10 focus on Jesus as the Lamb of God but the next chapter John 11 shows Jesus as the Resurrection and Life (John 11:25-26). This newly found fresco mural centers the burial chamber before it which it appears that bones of the deceased sit upon the Kline (burial shelf). A late 3rd century shepherd marble statuette is also on display in the Cleveland Museum of Art where Christ carries a shepherd upon his shoulder. It is believed that this was found in Asia Minor somewhere.

This location is an active archeology dig so most likely no access will be given on a visit.

Hisardere Basilica Church

The real gem of a find is the basilica that is on the ground level above the Necropolis. This large 5th-century basilica measured 30 x 70 meters. This three-aisled structure would have been a good size church and shows the importance of the location to the early church. The Hagia Sophia in Iznik is 22 x 32 meters so this building was double the size in length. Based on the pictures of the archeology site, the basilica does not remain except in the shape since many early churches placed tombs below the structure. On the site referenced they had not yet dug out the whole size of the church. Below is a later report…

“One of the most remarkable discoveries came during the exploration of the site’s upper layers: the remains of a vast basilica, dated to the fifth century. Measuring 30 by 70 meters (100 by 230 feet), the structure features three naves and geometric mosaics adorned with fourth- and fifth-century motifs. It is now considered the largest basilica ever uncovered in Iznik.”^[3]https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/roman-byzantine-burial-traditions-unearthed-in-turkiyes-iznik Wow, only if this place would be open as a tourist location. The importance of this site cannot be minimized.

Coins and Crosses

Farmers often find Byzantine artifacts that come plowed up from the ground. In 2023 a cross and coins came to light. Many fields and mounds scatter around the city give evidence to the massive history in this area. The picture below shows where some of these mounds are.

Mosaic Byzantine Floor

The 2025 excavations in İznik revealed a remarkable 50-square-meter stretch of a 3rd-century mosaic floor. Its vibrant figures, geometric patterns, a woman carrying a fruit basket, a personified lake, and traces of mythological scenes all speak with surprising clarity across the centuries. This isn’t just decorative art; it’s evidence that long before the Christian era, İznik was home to sophisticated Roman public or elite architecture, likely a government building meant to communicate the region’s identity, prosperity, and values.

This discovery is truly impressive. It doesn’t just add to history—it makes us think again about the past and wonder what else is still buried. I hope it will be open for everyone to see, since many mosaics like this are still hidden from the public.

This find, I believe was found under a road way near to the circle north of Iznik that connects the Orhangazi Yolu and Elbeyli Yolu.

Elbeyli Ruins

İznik Hypogeum (Underground Tomb) is a Roman- era family tomb discovered by chance in 1967 in the town of Elbeyli, Türkiye İznik these ruins are found inside of the Iznik Museum. When I visited the city the museum was closed the day of our visit.

Ancient Nicaea in the Iznik district is such a gem and provides so much for one to discover. Please check out my series on walking this ancient city.

For further studies on comparative religion see my books.