Tieion

Perched at the mouth of the ancient Billaios River (modern Filyos Cayi), where its waters meet the Black Sea, Tieion (also written Tios or Tion) was one of the earliest Greek colonies on Turkey's northern coast. Founded by settlers from Miletus in the second half of the 7th century BC -- according to one tradition by a Milesian priest named Tios -- this 60-hectare city grew from a colonial trading post into a prosperous Roman port and a Byzantine bishopric. Current excavations led by Professor Sahin Yildirim of Bartin University have unearthed an extraordinary necropolis with over 96 sarcophagi arranged along a 500-metre "Sarcophagi Avenue", a well-preserved Roman theatre, an underwater harbour, and inscriptions described as the oldest written documents on Turkey's Black Sea shore. No comparable necropolis has been found at any other Black Sea ancient city, making Tieion uniquely important for regional archaeology.

1. Why Tieion Matters
2. Geography and Setting
3. Historical Timeline
4. Major Monuments and Discoveries
5. Archaeological Work
6. Visitor Information
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Sources and Further Reading

Why Tieion Matters

1. One of the earliest Greek colonies on the Black Sea. Founded in the second half of the 7th century BC by Milesian colonists, Tieion preserves evidence of the earliest phases of Greek expansion into the Pontic region, making it crucial for understanding archaic colonisation patterns and the economic motivations behind them.

2. An unobstructed archaeological site. Unlike many Black Sea ancient cities that lie beneath modern towns (such as Sinop, Trabzon, or Amasra), Tieion's 60-hectare site is largely free of modern construction. This allows archaeologists an unusually complete view of the urban plan, from acropolis to harbour, offering research opportunities unavailable at most comparable sites.

3. A spectacular necropolis -- the "Sarcophagi Avenue." Excavations have uncovered 96 sarcophagi arranged along a 500-metre-long street, 23 chamber tombs, 7 cist graves, 60 tile graves, and over 1,300 funerary objects. The necropolis spans from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD, providing a continuous burial record across nearly a millennium. No such necropolis area has been encountered at any other Black Sea ancient city.

4. The oldest inscriptions on the Turkish Black Sea coast. Doric-script headers and fragments with carvings described as among the earliest written documents found on Turkey's Black Sea shores have been unearthed, pushing the documented history of the region's literacy further back in time to the earliest decades of Greek colonisation.

5. A rare surviving Roman theatre in the Black Sea region. The theatre at Tieion, with a capacity of approximately 5,000, is one of only a handful of ancient theatres identified along the entire southern Black Sea coast, making it exceptionally important for understanding cultural life in the region.

6. Roman citizenship evidence. Tombstones and inscriptions from the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius have revealed that many inhabitants of Tieion were granted Roman imperial citizenship, providing important evidence for the Romanisation process on the Black Sea coast.

Geography and Setting

Tieion occupies a dramatic coastal position at the western edge of the southern Black Sea littoral, in the Caycuma district of Zonguldak province. The ancient city sits at the point where the Billaios River (modern Filyos Cayi) -- historically regarded as the boundary between Bithynia to the west and Paphlagonia to the east -- empties into the Black Sea.

The site's geography includes several distinct zones:

• The Acropolis: A fortified hilltop at the highest point of the city, commanding views over both the river mouth and the open sea. Defensive walls, a castle structure, and civic buildings occupied this summit. The acropolis served as both a military strongpoint and an administrative centre.
• The Lower City: Spreading out from the acropolis toward the coast, this zone contained the residential quarters, public buildings, baths, and the theatre. The lower city represents the main living space of the ancient population.
• The Harbour: An ancient port at the river mouth, with breakwaters and quay structures now partially submerged. Underwater archaeological surveys have identified harbour infrastructure beneath the waves, revealing the engineering sophistication of the ancient port.
• The Necropoleis: Two cemetery areas -- one to the east and one to the west of the settlement -- containing sarcophagi, chamber tombs, and various grave types spanning nearly a millennium. The eastern necropolis with its "Sarcophagi Avenue" is the most spectacular.

The total site covers approximately 60 hectares, making it one of the larger ancient settlements in the Black Sea region. The surrounding landscape is characterised by steep forested hills descending to a narrow coastal plain, with the river valley providing the main corridor into the interior.

Maritime and River Access

The combination of river-mouth harbour and open coastline gave Tieion exceptional maritime advantages. Ships could shelter from Black Sea storms in the river mouth, while the Billaios valley provided direct access to the timber-rich interior. This dual access -- to sea routes and inland resources -- was the fundamental reason for the colony's establishment.

Climate and Seasons

The climate is humid oceanic: mild winters, cool summers, and frequent rainfall throughout the year. The Black Sea coast receives significantly more precipitation than the Anatolian interior, creating the lush green landscape that characterises the region. The best visiting months are May through October, when rain is less frequent and temperatures are comfortable for outdoor exploration.

Historical Timeline

Archaic Period: Milesian Colonisation (7th-6th century BC)

Tieion was founded as a colony of Miletus -- the most prolific coloniser among Greek cities -- in the second half of the 7th century BC. According to one ancient tradition, the colony was founded by a Milesian priest named Tios, from whom the city took its name. The colonists selected the river-mouth location for its natural harbour, fresh water supply, and access to the timber-rich hinterland. The Billaios valley provided a route into the Anatolian interior, facilitating trade in timber, metals, and agricultural products.

Archaeological evidence from this earliest period includes archaic pottery, architectural fragments with Doric headers, and the inscriptions that may represent the oldest literate documents on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. These finds confirm that the colony established itself quickly as a functioning Greek urban settlement with administrative and religious infrastructure.

Classical and Hellenistic Period (5th-1st century BC)

During the Classical period, Tieion remained a small but active port, maintaining ties with the wider Greek world through maritime networks. The city came under the influence of various regional powers:

• The Kingdom of Heraclea Pontica exerted control over the region, incorporating Tieion into its sphere of influence.
• In the Hellenistic period, the city fell within the sphere of the Kingdom of Bithynia and later the Pontic Kingdom of Mithridates VI, the great enemy of Rome.

The city minted its own coinage, depicting the head of Dionysus and a cluster of grapes -- imagery that reflects the importance of viticulture in the local economy and the city's ties to the cult of Dionysus. Wine production and export were significant economic activities throughout the classical period.

The earliest graves in the necropolis date to this period (5th century BC), showing that the burial areas were established early in the city's history and continued in use for centuries.

Roman Period (70 BC - 4th century AD)

Tieion came under direct Roman control around 70 BC, following Pompey's defeat of Mithridates and the reorganisation of the eastern Mediterranean. Under Roman rule, the city experienced its most significant period of growth and prosperity:

• The theatre was constructed or substantially rebuilt, with a capacity of approximately 5,000 spectators -- a significant venue for a Black Sea port city.
• A Roman temple was erected in the city centre, reflecting the standard programme of Roman public architecture.
• Bathhouses were built, reflecting the standard Roman urban amenity programme and the importance of bathing culture in Roman social life.
• The aqueduct system was constructed to bring fresh water from inland springs, replacing the earlier reliance on wells and the river.
• The harbour was expanded with new breakwaters and quay facilities to accommodate increased maritime traffic. The harbour infrastructure represented a major investment in the city's commercial future.
• The necropolis entered its most active phase (1st-3rd centuries AD), with large numbers of stone sarcophagi indicating a prosperous population that could afford monumental burial containers.

Roman citizenship: Tombstones and inscriptions dating to the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 CE) reveal that many inhabitants of Tieion were granted Roman imperial citizenship -- known through the constitutio Antoniniana and other mechanisms. This is significant evidence for the degree of Romanisation on the Black Sea coast.

Byzantine Period (4th-13th century AD)

During the Byzantine era, Tieion became an important bishopric centre, reflecting its continued administrative and spiritual significance. A basilica and other church structures were built, replacing pagan temples and adapting to the Christian religious landscape. The city walls were maintained and reinforced against threats from maritime raiders and Turkic invaders.

The city's name gradually evolved from Tios toward its modern form, Filyos -- a linguistic transformation derived from the river name Billaios through the intermediate forms Philios/Filyos.

Genoese and Ottoman Period (13th-15th century)

The city came under Genoese control for a period, as the Italian maritime republics established trading posts along the Black Sea coast. The Genoese were attracted by the same timber trade that had drawn the original Greek colonists millennia earlier. The city was subsequently incorporated into the Ottoman Empire, after which the ancient urban centre gradually fell into disuse as the population shifted to the modern Filyos settlement nearby.

Major Monuments and Discoveries

The Roman Theatre

Carved into a west-facing hillside, the theatre is one of the most significant structures at Tieion. Key features include:

• Capacity: approximately 5,000 spectators -- substantial for a Black Sea settlement.
• Regional rarity: it is one of only a handful of ancient theatres known from the entire southern Black Sea coast, making it uniquely important for understanding cultural life in the region.
• Historical reputation: in the late 19th century, travellers noted it as among the best-preserved theatres in Asia Minor. Though partially buried and weathered since, recent excavation has re-exposed substantial sections.
• Orientation: the cavea (seating area) faces westward toward the sea, meaning spectators enjoyed views of the coastline and sunset during performances -- a dramatic natural backdrop.
• Acoustics: the theatre's design creates excellent sound projection, as is typical of well-designed ancient theatres.

The Necropolis and "Sarcophagi Avenue"

The necropoleis are the excavation's most productive and spectacular area. Professor Sahin Yildirim's team has unearthed:

• 96 stone sarcophagi -- many aligned along what researchers call a "Sarcophagi Avenue," a 500-metre-long road lined with monumental burial containers. The visual effect of this funerary boulevard is striking even today.
• 23 chamber tombs -- multi-room rock-cut structures used for family burials over multiple generations.
• 7 cist graves -- simple stone-lined burials for individuals.
• 60 tile graves -- roof-tile-covered graves, a common Roman-era burial type for less wealthy individuals, demonstrating the social range of the population.
• Over 1,300 funerary objects -- ceramics, glass vessels, jewellery, coins, and other grave goods that illuminate the social hierarchy, trade connections, and religious beliefs of the population across several centuries.

The necropolis spans from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD, providing an almost unbroken 1,000-year burial record. The peak period of activity was the 1st to 3rd centuries AD, coinciding with the city's Roman-era prosperity. According to the excavation director, no such necropolis area has been encountered in any ancient city in the Black Sea region, making this discovery uniquely significant for regional archaeology.

The Acropolis and Fortification

The hilltop acropolis preserves:

• Defensive castle walls visible from a considerable distance, marking the highest point of the ancient city.
• Foundations of civic and possibly religious buildings that served the city's administrative functions.
• Commanding views over the river mouth, harbour, and open sea -- underscoring the settlement's military and navigational importance.
• Evidence of multiple phases of construction and repair, spanning from the Hellenistic through Byzantine periods.

The Ancient Harbour

The harbour at the river mouth was critical to Tieion's identity as a trading port. Features include:

• Breakwaters constructed from large stone blocks to protect ships from the often-rough Black Sea waves.
• Quay structures for loading and unloading cargo, including timber from the forested interior.
• Underwater remains identified through marine archaeological surveys, including submerged walls, anchoring features, and harbour infrastructure.

The harbour facilitated the export of timber from the densely forested hinterland -- a commodity in high demand across the ancient Mediterranean and Black Sea worlds for shipbuilding, construction, and fuel.

Aqueduct System

Several arches of a Roman-era aqueduct survive, extending from inland springs toward the coast. The system supplied fresh water to the city's baths, fountains, and residential areas. Three or four arches remain visible near the shore, providing a photogenic landmark.

Roman Temple and Baths

The foundations of a Roman temple and several bathhouse structures have been identified within the lower city. These buildings confirm the standard suite of Roman urban infrastructure: religious, hygienic, and social amenities that defined Romanised urban life in every corner of the empire.

Byzantine Basilica

A basilica dating to the Byzantine period has been identified, reflecting Tieion's role as a bishopric centre. The church would have served the city's Christian community during the late antique and medieval periods.

The Oldest Inscriptions

Fragments with Doric-script carvings have been described as the oldest written documents found on Turkey's Black Sea shore. These inscriptions, along with archaic architectural elements, push the documented literate history of the region to the earliest phases of Greek colonisation in the 7th-6th centuries BC.

Archaeological Work

Excavation History

• Pre-2006: The site was known from 19th-century traveller accounts, notably those who praised the theatre's preservation. Limited surface surveys had been conducted, and the site's potential was recognised but unrealised.
• 2006: Systematic excavations began under the direction of Professor Sumer Atasoy (later continued by Professor Sahin Yildirim of Bartin University).
• 2006-2015: The first major phase focused on the theatre, acropolis, and initial necropolis areas. A comprehensive publication, Zonguldak'ta Bir Antik Kent: Tios -- 2006-2012 Arkeolojik Calismalari ve Genel Degerlendirme, was issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, documenting the findings of the initial seasons.
• 2015-present: Excavation expanded to the extensive necropoleis, yielding the dramatic "Sarcophagi Avenue" discovery that brought international attention to the site. Marine archaeological surveys documented the underwater harbour. The excavation team grew to 44 members, reflecting the scale and significance of the findings.

Current Team and Institutional Support

The excavation is led by Professor Sahin Yildirim (Bartin University Department of Archaeology) with authorisation from the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums. Support comes from the Zonguldak provincial government and the Caycuma municipality. The site is also part of the Zonguldak Geopark initiative, which integrates geological and archaeological heritage into a unified tourism and education framework.

Artefact Management

Finds are processed on-site and deposited at the Zonguldak Museum and local storage facilities. The funerary objects from the necropolis form a particularly important collection for studying Roman-era social life, trade networks, and cultural practices on the Black Sea coast.

Academic Significance

The Tieion excavations have produced numerous academic publications, including studies on the theatre architecture (by Sahin Yildirim on Academia.edu), the archaic colonisation phase, and the Roman-era necropolis. The site contributes to ongoing international research on Greek colonisation, Roman provincial culture, and Black Sea maritime archaeology.

Visitor Information

Getting There

• By car: Filyos is located on the coastal D010 highway, approximately 20 km west of Zonguldak city centre. The drive from Istanbul is approximately 370 km (about 4.5 hours via the O4 motorway and D655). The road passes through scenic Black Sea coastal landscape.
• By bus: Regular intercity buses serve Zonguldak and Caycuma. From Caycuma, local minibuses (dolmus) run to Filyos throughout the day.
• By rail: The Filyos railway station is on the Zonguldak-Caycuma line, providing an alternative transportation option.

What to See

• The Roman theatre -- the site's architectural highlight and a rare example in the Black Sea region.
• The acropolis -- for panoramic views over the coast, river mouth, and surrounding forested hills.
• The necropolis -- sarcophagi, chamber tombs, and the extraordinary "Sarcophagi Avenue."
• The coastal walls and harbour remains -- trace the ancient shoreline and imagine the port at its peak.
• The aqueduct arches -- visible near the shore, a photogenic reminder of Roman engineering.
• The Filyos coastline itself -- a beautiful Black Sea beach adjacent to the ancient city, offering a unique combination of archaeology and seaside recreation.

Recommended Visit Duration

• Quick visit (theatre and acropolis): 1-1.5 hours.
• Thorough visit (theatre, acropolis, necropolis, harbour, and aqueduct): 3-4 hours.
• Combined with beach: add time for swimming and relaxation at the Filyos shore.
• Full day: archaeology, beach, and local cuisine.

Best Seasons

• Late spring (May-June): mild weather, green landscape, less rain. The hills are at their most colourful.
• Summer (July-August): warm, suitable for combining archaeology with beach visits; occasional rain showers are possible even in summer.
• Early autumn (September-October): pleasant temperatures, autumn colours in the forested hills, good visibility.
• Winter: rainy and cool; accessible but less comfortable for extended outdoor exploration.

Practical Tips

• Wear sturdy shoes for the acropolis climb and necropolis terrain, which can be uneven.
• Bring rain gear -- the Black Sea coast receives frequent showers even in summer months.
• The Filyos beach is adjacent to the site; bring swimwear for a combined cultural-beach day.
• Local restaurants in Filyos serve excellent fresh Black Sea fish, particularly hamsi (anchovy) in season.
• The site is part of the Zonguldak Geopark; consider combining with other geopark attractions for a comprehensive regional visit.
• Check with the Zonguldak Museum for the latest access information and any seasonal restrictions.
• Photography is excellent throughout the site; the theatre and sarcophagi are particularly photogenic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Tieion founded at this specific location?

The river mouth provided a natural harbour, fresh water, and access to the timber-rich Billaios valley. The Milesian colonists needed a coastal trading post that could export timber and other raw materials to the wider Greek world while serving as a gateway to the Anatolian interior. The combination of maritime access and inland resources made this location ideal.

What is the "Sarcophagi Avenue"?

It is a 500-metre-long road within the necropolis lined with monumental stone sarcophagi on both sides, creating an impressive funerary landscape. Wealthy citizens were buried in large stone coffins placed along the main cemetery road, visible to all who passed -- a practice that displayed social status even in death. No comparable feature has been found at any other Black Sea archaeological site.

How old are the inscriptions found here?

The Doric-script inscriptions and architectural fragments date to the archaic period (7th-6th century BC) and are described as possibly the oldest written documents found on Turkey's Black Sea coast. They provide evidence of literacy from the earliest decades of Greek colonisation in the region.

Can I swim at Filyos beach near the ancient city?

Yes. The Filyos coastline features a sandy Black Sea beach adjacent to the archaeological site. It is a popular summer destination for locals and visitors alike. Combining a site visit with a beach day is one of the unique attractions of Tieion.

Is the underwater harbour accessible to divers?

The underwater harbour remains have been documented by marine archaeologists, but recreational diving access is not currently organised. Contact local diving operators and the excavation team for information about any future diving opportunities.

What did the inhabitants of Tieion export?

The primary export was timber from the densely forested Billaios valley. Wood was in constant demand across the ancient Mediterranean for shipbuilding, construction, and fuel. The city also exported agricultural products, including wine (as evidenced by the grape imagery on the city's coinage).

What coins did Tieion mint?

Tieion minted its own bronze coinage depicting the head of Dionysus (god of wine) and a cluster of grapes, reflecting the importance of viticulture and wine production in the local economy.

How does Tieion connect to the Zonguldak Geopark?

Tieion is one of the cultural heritage components of the Zonguldak Geopark, which integrates the region's geological, mining, and archaeological heritage into a unified tourism framework. Visiting Tieion as part of the geopark itinerary provides context for understanding how the region's natural resources shaped human settlement over millennia.

The Black Sea Colonial Context

Tieion belongs to the broader network of Greek colonies established along the Black Sea (Pontic) coast during the 8th-6th centuries BC. Understanding Tieion requires placing it within this colonial context.

The Black Sea colonisation was driven primarily by Miletus, which founded more colonies than any other Greek city -- perhaps as many as seventy trading posts and settlements around the Pontic shores. The Milesians sought access to the region's abundant natural resources: timber for shipbuilding, metals (iron, copper, gold), grain from the fertile coastal plains, and fish from the rich Black Sea fisheries.

Tieion's specific attraction was timber. The Billaios valley and its surrounding mountains were covered in dense forests of pine, oak, and beech -- species ideal for shipbuilding and construction. In the ancient world, where wooden ships were the primary means of long-distance transport and naval power, control of timber supplies was a strategic priority. The colonies that could export timber enjoyed sustained demand for their primary product.

The Black Sea coast also served as a cultural frontier. The Greek colonists encountered and interacted with indigenous Anatolian, Thracian, and later Celtic populations. The resulting cultural mix is visible in the archaeological record: Greek pottery and architectural styles alongside local burial customs and material culture. Tieion's archaeological assemblage reflects this intercultural dimension, with grave goods showing both Greek and Anatolian influences.

Other notable Milesian colonies on the Black Sea include Sinope (the most important), Amisos (modern Samsun), Trapezous (modern Trabzon), and Heraclea Pontica (modern Karadeniz Eregli). Together, these colonies created a chain of Greek urban settlements that transformed the Black Sea from a remote frontier into an integrated part of the Mediterranean economic and cultural world.

Maritime Trade Networks

Tieion participated in maritime trade networks that connected the Black Sea coast to the Aegean, the eastern Mediterranean, and ultimately the entire ancient commercial world. Ships carrying timber from Tieion would have called at ports throughout the Black Sea and Aegean, returning with manufactured goods, olive oil, wine, and luxury items. The coins minted at Tieion -- with their Dionysus head and grape cluster motifs -- suggest that the city also produced wine for export, supplementing its timber trade with agricultural products.

The harbour infrastructure revealed by underwater archaeology confirms the scale of this maritime activity: the breakwaters, quays, and anchorages were built to accommodate substantial commercial traffic, not merely local fishing boats.

The Billaios River and Its Economic Role

The Filyos River, known in antiquity as the Billaios, formed the economic backbone of Tieion. This waterway served as a natural transportation corridor, carrying timber from the dense inland forests down to the coast for export. Its role in the ancient timber trade was so significant that Strabo specifically mentioned the Billaios in connection with the region's forestry industry. Beyond timber transport, the river irrigated fertile alluvial plains that supported agricultural production, contributing to the diversified economy that sustained the city across centuries. The river's estuary also provided a natural harbour, which was enhanced by artificial breakwaters and quays during the Roman period.

Legacy and Modern Significance

Today, the ancient site of Tieion lies partly beneath the modern village of Filyos (Hisaronu) in Zonguldak province. The ongoing excavations, led by Bartin University's archaeology department, continue to reveal new aspects of this little-known Black Sea city. The discovery of the monumental necropolis with its "Sarcophagi Avenue" in 2024 has brought renewed international attention to the site. As part of the Zonguldak Geopark initiative, Tieion is being integrated into a broader cultural and geological tourism framework. This framework aims to showcase the region's rich heritage alongside its natural landscape.

Future excavation seasons are expected to focus on the theatre and agora areas, which have been identified through geophysical surveys but remain largely unexcavated. The integration of Tieion into the Zonguldak Geopark network demonstrates how archaeological heritage and geological heritage can be presented together in a unified interpretive framework. The site holds considerable potential as a model project for the preservation and touristic development of ancient port cities along the Black Sea coast.

Architectural Measurements and Structural Data

The following table compiles the principal measured dimensions and structural data for Tieion's major monuments, drawn from excavation reports and the 2024 Archaeopress publication.

The theatre's west-facing orientation is unusual among Anatolian theatres. Spectators would have watched performances with the Black Sea coastline and sunset as a natural backdrop, an effect that was almost certainly deliberate in the architectural design. Late 19th-century travellers noted the theatre as among the best-preserved in Asia Minor, though subsequent neglect buried portions of the cavea.

Numismatic Evidence

Tieion minted its own bronze coinage from the Hellenistic period through the Roman Imperial era. The coin types provide direct evidence of the city's economic life, religious identity, and political affiliations.

The Dionysus-and-grapes coin imagery is consistent across Tieion's minting history, indicating that wine production was a defining feature of the city's economic identity throughout antiquity. The discovery of a partial Tetrarchic hoard dating to the late 3rd or early 4th century CE suggests that the city maintained monetary activity well into the period of Roman administrative reorganisation under Diocletian.

Excavation Chronology

Necropolis Burial Typology

The necropolis provides a stratified burial record spanning nearly a millennium (5th century BC -- 5th century AD). The following table classifies the burial types and their chronological distribution.

The deliberate arrangement of sarcophagi along a 500-metre avenue mirrors the Roman practice of lining major roads with funerary monuments, as seen at Pompeii's Via dei Sepolcri and the Appian Way outside Rome. At Tieion, however, the density and scale of the arrangement are unparalleled among Black Sea archaeological sites, suggesting a locally developed variant of this Mediterranean-wide funerary tradition.

Harbour Infrastructure

Underwater archaeological surveys have documented the submerged remains of Tieion's ancient harbour at the Billaios River mouth. The harbour infrastructure includes stone-block breakwaters designed to shelter ships from Black Sea storms, quay structures for loading timber and agricultural exports, and anchoring features cut into submerged bedrock. The harbour's engineering reflects the scale of Tieion's maritime commerce, which centred on the export of timber from the densely forested Billaios valley -- a commodity in demand across the ancient Mediterranean for shipbuilding, construction, and fuel.

The Billaios River itself served as a natural transportation corridor. Timber felled in the interior forests was floated downstream to the river-mouth port, a practice described by the ancient geographer Strabo. The river's estuary provided calm water anchorage supplementing the artificial breakwaters, giving Tieion a double advantage in harbour protection.

Sources and Further Reading

• Tieion / Tios / Tion -- Bartin University Archaeology Department
• Tios - Tieion Ancient City -- Visit Zonguldak
• Tios Ancient City -- Zonguldak Geopark
• Oldest inscriptions unearthed in northern Turkey -- Anadolu Agency
• Significant Roman necropolis unearthed -- Archaeology Magazine
• Sarcophagi avenue found in ancient necropolis -- Heritage Daily
• Greco-Roman necropolis reveals a Sarcophagi Avenue -- Ancient Origins
• Excavation reveals Tios' hidden Roman necropolis -- Daily Sabah
• Tios -- Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites
• Ancient Tieion in the Black Sea region -- Hurriyet Daily News
• Tios Tiyatrosu (academic paper by Sahin Yildirim) -- Academia.edu
• Archaic Tieion: Results of Recent Archaeological Investigations -- Academia.edu