Workers accidentally unearth 1,500-year-old necropolis under basement

Archaeologists have uncovered eight tombs that date to the Byzantine era — and it's all because of a surprise discovery during restoration work.

The Societa Operaia Building, a historical location in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, is currently home to the Italian Workers' Mutual Aid Society. When workers descended into the building's foundation for routine restoration work, they saw a skull wedged between stones. The shocking discovery prompted an investigation by the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.