Archaeologists excavating the Çavuştepe Castle in the Gürpınar district of East Turkey’s Van province unearthed numerous architectural features including a sewage system dating back 2800 years.

The excavations revealed ancient vineyards, walls, cisterns, temples and palace structures. The sewage system that was discovered in 2004 was fully excavated this season. The sewage measures one meter in width and 30 meters in length. The canal was covered with slabs of stone. It was built with stone and was composed of a gutter through which water flowed. The toilet water flew outside through the sewage system.

Cavuştepe Castle also called Haykaberd, meaning “Fortress of Hayk” was an Urartian fortress that existed 2800 years ago. Around the castle a city developed that covered an area of one kilometre in diameter and was protected by fortified walls.

(after Hurriyet Daily News)