Underwater Excavation at the Basilica Church in İznik Lake – 2019

The remains of the basilical church lie approximately in 2 or 3 meters depth, and 50 m from shore lake, outside city walls that surround ancient Nicaea. underwater archaeological excavations at basilica remain are being launched under auspices Iznik Archaeology Museum with permission Ministry Culture Tourism 2015. In 2019, excavation was carried out atrium where we thought a water well situated. This is because British pilgrim, Willibald, pointed site 1st Council had rectangular open-roofed courtyard sacred source oil middle. Although went down 60 cm deeper than foundation walls, could not find bottom well. However, large number ceramics, glass bracelets, Scyphate coins (cup-shaped coins) were found indicating 13th century. It also filled stone. Therefore, think structure definitely abandoned 12th century then sank into lake waters.