Unearthed Secrets: Inside the Grand Roman-Era Library Hidden in Turkey’s ‘City of Gladiators’
The building once stood in the city center at the crossroads of Stratonikeia’s four main streets, where it was surrounded by public baths, religious institutions, and a fountain. Inscriptions found inside state that it was built by a master craftsman from Ephesus, another ancient city in modern-day Turkey.
Durmuş Genç/Anadolu AgencyThe excavation of the library revealed fourth-century C.E. mosaics on the floor.
Its layout is different from that of any other library ever found in the region, and it seemingly even inspired the architecture of another library in North Africa. The similarities between the two structures suggest that not only was Stratonikeia a city of cultural significance, it was also connected to far-reaching areas of the Roman Empire.
Dr. Bilal Söğüt of Pamukkale University, the leader of the excavations, spoke to Anadolu Agency about what his team has uncovered so far: the main entrance, a portico, a central courtyard, a reading hall, and several other rooms.
“We have determined all the sections of the ancient-era library to a certain extent,” Dr. Söğüt said. “We also uncovered the columns and superstructure elements belonging to the courtyard area. In the upcoming period, by reconstructing a portion of these columns, we want visitors to witness the grandeur of the ancient library.”
The Fall Of The Ancient Library
Durmuş Genç/Anadolu AgencyResearchers work to dig out the columns and foundations of the library.
Around the year 610 C.E., a large earthquake hit Stratonikeia, destroying parts of the city and leading to the library’s abandonment.
Post Comment