A remarkable discovery is currently taking place in southwest Türkiye, where archaeologists have made significant progress in excavating Stratonikeia, an ancient city in Muğla Province, which is recognised on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List. The archaeological site here has unveiled parts of a rare Roman-era library, believed to be one of the few of its kind from that period.
Situated at the intersection of four major streets in the city centre, the rare ancient library unearthed in Stratonikeia was originally built during the Hellenistic period and later redesigned in the Roman era. The library’s architecture reflects the intellectual vitality and cultural richness of the time, showcasing intricate designs and advanced construction techniques that underline the importance of knowledge and literature in Roman society.
The addition of mosaics in the 4th century AD highlights the building's continued importance during late antiquity. Inspections found on-site reveal that the library was constructed by a master craftsman from Ephesus, a cultural centre of the ancient Aegean. The discovery is expected to provide new insights into the daily lives of the inhabitants of Stratonikeia, their access to information, and the role of libraries as centers of learning and enlightenment in the ancient world.
Known as the "City of Gladiators," Stratonikeia is one of the largest marble cities in the world and has been the focus of ongoing archaeological excavations since 1977. Stratonikeia is one of the most important cities of the Carians in southwestern Türkiye, a people that Greek historian Herodotus wrote about in the fifth century BC.
The discovery at Stratonikeia follows another remarkable find. Archaeologists excavating the ancient site of Gordion, located near modern-day Ankara, Türkiye, unveiled a groundbreaking discovery recently: a remarkably well-preserved wooden burial chamber believed to belong to a high-ranking member of a Phrygian royal family, potentially a relative of King Midas. The site, designated Tumulus 26 (T26), dates back to the 8th century BCE, a period noted for its rich cultural and historical significance in Phrygian society.
