Massive Sardis Synagogue with Vast Mosaics Reveals Jewish Presence in Roman Anatolia
One of the largest synagogues of the ancient world still stands at Sardis—its vast mosaic floors stretching across nearly 1,400 square meters, quietly preserving the footprint of a once-powerful Jewish community in Roman Anatolia. Set within one of the city’s most prominent public complexes, the structure does more than impress with its scale. It reveals
Sillyon’s Hellenistic Walls Rise Again in Antalya, Reasserting One of Anatolia’s Most Formidable Ancient Defenses
For centuries, Sillyon stood as a city few could reach—let alone conquer. Now, with the restoration of its Hellenistic walls, that reputation is becoming visible once again. Perched on a steep plateau in the Serik district of Antalya, Sillyon Ancient City was never an ordinary settlement. Its defensive strength began with geography. Sheer slopes and
2,000-Year-Old Medusa Mosaic at Kibyra Reopens to Visitors in Türkiye
In the ancient city of Kibyra, located in Burdur’s Gölhisar district, one of the most remarkable surviving works of Roman stone craftsmanship has been revealed once again. The 2,000-year-old Medusa mosaic, protected throughout the winter months, has now reopened to visitors with the arrival of the new season. Seasonal conservation and reopening Each year, the
Ottoman Village Square Discovered at Sillyon Ancient City in Antalya
A quiet patch of ruins in southern Türkiye has revealed an unexpected layer of history. At the ancient city of Sillyon, archaeologists have identified the remains of an Ottoman-era village square, complete with a mosque, a water source, and an open communal space—suggesting that the site remained a living settlement long after antiquity. The discovery
1,500-Year-Old Greek Inscription Mosaic Reading “Let the Envious Burst” Discovered in Syedra
A 1,500-year-old mosaic with Greek inscriptions has been uncovered in the ancient city of Syedra, near Alanya on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast. The well-preserved floor mosaic, discovered during ongoing archaeological excavations, features decorative geometric and vegetal motifs accompanied by two striking inscriptions, including one that can be translated as “Let the envious burst.” The discovery provides
International Research Grant Brings Syedra Ancient City’s Theater into the Global Archaeological Spotlight
A major international academic partnership has elevated archaeological research at Syedra, as a joint Turkish–French project led by Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University receives competitive bilateral funding under the Bosphorus Programme.The project is notably the first international bilateral research initiative in the university’s history—marking a milestone for both the institution and the archaeological study of southern
Excavations at Alalakh Are Shaping a New Late Bronze Age Cuneiform Archive
At Alalakh, archaeologists have identified the remains of a new Late Bronze Age cuneiform tablet archive during the 2025 excavation season. The discovery offers a rare, context-rich view of how administration functioned in one of the Levant’s key ancient cities. The work forms part of the long-running Tell Atchana excavations in Hatay, Türkiye, carried out
Over 100 Olive Oil Workshops Reveal Syedra’s Role as a Late Antique Production Hub
In the steep coastal hills of southern Türkiye, the ancient city of Syedra Ancient City is revealing a side of urban life rarely seen so clearly in Late Antiquity. Archaeological excavations have identified more than 100 olive oil workshops dating to the 5th–6th centuries AD, indicating that Syedra was not merely a residential settlement but
A Long-Hidden Roman Thermal Complex Emerges at Myra After 15 Years of Delay
For more than a decade, a Roman-era structure lay trapped beneath modern industry at the edge of Myra Ancient City, its archaeological potential known but inaccessible. In 2025, that barrier finally disappeared. Excavations in Demre, southern Türkiye, have now brought to light an exceptional Roman thermal complex, revealing an architectural type previously undocumented in the
Myra’s Monumental Roman Theatre Set for Restoration as Archaeologists Call the City “Anatolia’s Pompeii”
Archaeological excavations and conservation projects at Myra Ancient City and its ancient harbor, Andriake, on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast have entered a decisive new phase. Officials have confirmed that restoration of Myra’s monumental Roman theatre is scheduled to begin in 2026, while a selection of exceptionally rare artifacts uncovered during recent excavations is now being displayed