A major historical mystery is beginning to unravel. The first-ever archaeological traces of the Kaskians, the long-feared enemies of the Hittite Empire, have been uncovered in a cave in northern Türkiye — rewriting a forgotten chapter of ancient Anatolian history.
The Kaskians, known from Hittite cuneiform texts as fierce adversaries who launched repeated raids on Hittite territories, have long remained a ghost-like presence in history — until now.
Breakthrough Discovery: First Tangible Evidence of the Kaskians
In excavations launched in 2017 by Bülent Ecevit University’s Department of Archaeology, 3200-year-old artifacts uncovered in the İnönü Cave are now believed to be directly connected to the mysterious Kaskian people.
Lead archaeologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamza Ekmen stated,
“For over a century, scholars have searched for material proof of the Kaskians. We now believe we’ve found the first archaeological evidence of this elusive people.”
İnönü Cave Reveals 6,500 Years of History
Excavations at İnönü Cave revealed five distinct cultural layers, the oldest dating back approximately 6,500 years. Most significant are the findings in the third layer, linked to the Late Bronze Age and the time of Hittite-Kaskian conflict.
Key findings include:
- A seal resembling Hittite stamp seals
- A bronze dagger similar to those found in the Hittite city of Šapinuwa
- Signs of wooden platforms constructed over the cave floor, possibly for living or storage
- Numerous tools and objects made from metal, bone, and clay
A Lost People Come to Light
According to Dr. Ekmen, the objects were analyzed using comparative analogy methods, and show striking similarities to artifacts found in known Hittite settlements.
“Taken together, these clues strongly suggest we’re looking at the first concrete archaeological footprint of the Kaskians — a people long known only through the writings of their enemies,” Ekmen said.
This discovery challenges long-held assumptions that the Kaskians were merely nomadic raiders, hinting instead at a complex and organized culture.
A Landmark for Anatolian Archaeology
While excavations are currently limited to a small area, researchers believe further digging could reveal even more about this lost civilization. The findings may alter how we understand the northern frontier of the Hittite Empire and the cultures that resisted its expansion.
Cover Photo: İnönü Cave is one of the most significant prehistoric settlement sites in Turkey’s Black Sea Region. Located approximately 150 meters above sea level, the cave reveals a multi-layered history of human habitation dating back 6,500 years.
