Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Stratonikeia, known as the "City of Gladiators," in the Yatağan district of Muğla, Turkey, unearthed a garlanded sarcophagus dating back 2,000 years. The discovery was made during ongoing excavation works in the Agora, the city's central hub for political, religious, and commercial activities.
The sarcophagus stands out due to its intricate carvings and exceptional craftsmanship. Adorned with ram heads at its corners and depictions of Erotes—the ancient gods of love portrayed as children—and bull heads in its middle sections, the artifact showcases a rich array of figures. Surrounding these are detailed carvings of pine cones, vine and olive leaves, grapes, pomegranates, and poppy fruits, offering a vivid glimpse into the artistic richness of the era.
"Looking at the ram heads at the corners, it is possible to understand the wealth and splendor of that period," said Professor Dr. Bilal Söğüt, Head of the Stratonikeia and Lagina Excavation Team, according to Yeni Şafak. "This sarcophagus is one of the best examples among garlanded depictions, both in terms of the variety of figures and because we can determine its date more clearly."
Söğüt emphasized the exceptional preservation of the sarcophagus's decorations. "The figures around the sarcophagus are still very vivid," he noted. "It is possible to see here all the richness, splendor, and showiness of approximately 2,000 years ago. Plants, especially garlands, are beautifully and richly carved."
The sarcophagus will be displayed in Stratonikeia, joining other similar artifacts in the ancient city, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical and artistic significance firsthand. According to Anadolu Ajansı, there is evidence indicating that sarcophagi were produced in Stratonikeia in ancient times and even supplied to other regions, underscoring the city's prominence as a center of craftsmanship.
Excavations in Stratonikeia have been ongoing since 1977, with archaeologists uncovering data and new artifacts each year, reported Milliyet. The ancient city is one of the world's largest marble cities and holds importance from multiple historical periods, including the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Menteşe Beyliği, Ottoman, and Republic eras.
"Stratonikeia is a living archaeological city," Söğüt told Karar. "Every year during the excavations, significant data is obtained, new artifacts are uncovered, and historical structures are restored."
Since the previous year, excavation works have continued under the "Future Heritage Project," according to OdaTV. One of the key initiatives within this project is the excavation of the Agora, where the garlanded sarcophagus was discovered. "We are excavating the Late Antiquity period in the Agora," Söğüt explained. "One of our aims is to reveal the public buildings located here and understand the political, religious, and commercial activities of the city."
He expressed optimism about future discoveries in the region. "Every excavation is a new hope, a new artifact, and beautiful results for us," he said, as reported by Milliyet. "Excavation work continues in the region. Every dig can bring us new hope, new artifacts, and beautiful results."
The sarcophagus's discovery adds a new chapter to Stratonikeia's rich historical narrative. The city's extensive history makes it a unique archaeological site, with layers representing civilizations that have inhabited the area over millennia. The preservation and exhibition of such artifacts offer invaluable insights into the cultural and artistic achievements of those eras.
According to Söğüt, the detailed carvings on the sarcophagus not only demonstrate the artistic excellence of the period but also provide clues about the social and cultural practices of the time. The use of symbols like ram and bull heads, along with depictions of Erotes and plants and fruits, reflect the beliefs, values, and aesthetics of the ancient society.
"There is information indicating that sarcophagi were produced in Stratonikeia in ancient times and even supplied to other places," Söğüt said, according to CNN Türk. This fact underscores the city's historical role as a production center and its connections with other regions through trade and cultural exchange.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.