Sixty newly discovered tombs in Turkey could be linked to the book of Colossians, written by the apostle Paul. Archaeologist Barış Yener described the find to Anadolu Agency (AA), saying, “In Colossae, we discovered what appears to be the largest necropolis in Anatolia, featuring rock-cut, trough-shaped tombs. After removing the surface soil, we identified around 65 tombs, of which we excavated 60.” Yener noted that, “Along with skeletal fragments, we encountered significant archaeological data.” The placement of the tombs was intentional as a way to preserve resources, with rocky areas designated for burial sites to preserve arable land for agriculture. The tombs are estimated to be around 2,200 years old.

According to Yener, the archaeological finds indicate a community deeply entrenched in magic, with charms, amulets, and stones being found aplenty in the tombs. The tombs date to the town of Colossae’s pre-Christian era. The city of Colossae was one of the most prominent cities of the Persian period. It was of particular significance due to its wool and textile production. Colossae would later become an important Christian community during the Roman and Byzantine eras. The city was severely damaged in the first century AD from an earthquake. It would later be rebuilt in the late 7^th century; however, another earthquake led to the city finally being abandoned in 787 AD.

“The findings reveal how much the people of Colossae valued magic, talismans, and objects believed to have protective powers,” said Yener. “These pre-Christian practices provide essential context for understanding the religious environment in which the early Christian community emerged.” The book of Colossians, authored by the apostle Paul, urged the Christian community of Colossae to turn from false doctrine. Early Christians dealt with a number of occult practices and magic. In Acts 16, the apostle Paul and his partner Silas enter Philippi where they found a slave girl who has the power of divination and tells fortunes to earn money for her masters. Paul becomes annoyed by the girl who begins to follow him around, ultimately turning and rebuking the spirit of divination from her. There was also a magician named Simon in Samaria who tried to pay the apostle for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The necropolis is believed to be the largest one discovered of its kind.