2021 was the year of easing restrictions of the Covid outbreak and archeological teams all around Turkey started to make it back to the excavations in various parts of Turkey. Let’s have a brief look at the most important archeological discoveries made in Turkey in 2021.
Temple of Zeus in Magnesia Ad Maeandrum
During the excavations carried out in the Ancient City of Magnesia, located nearby Ephesus ancient city, the Temple of Zeus being around 2,250 years old, was unearthed. The temple was the second-largest religious structure in Magnesia Ad Maeandrum. The chief god of the Magnesia Ad Maeandrum was Artemis, and the second god was Zeus. The inhabitants of the city used the title ”savior of the city” for Zeus.
Discovery of Kahintepe in Blacksea Region
Archeologists found some remains which are dating back to the same period as Göbeklitepe, near Kastamonu. No settlement or worship area dating to the Aceramic Neolithic period has been found in the Black Sea Region so far thus Kahintepe becomes the first of its kind. During the excavations on the Kahintepe (Prophecy Hill), objects related to the religious beliefs of the Aceramic Neolithic period and pillars designed for architecture were found.
Private Latrines of Smyrna Theatre
A personal latrine designed for the performers was found inside the stage building of the theater during the ongoing excavations in the Ancient City of Smyrna. For the first time, the use of a place in the stage building as a Latrina/Toilet is seen at the Smyrna Theatre. Considering that the toilet is located in the stage building, which is off the limits for the audience, and that this toilet with a capacity of 13 people would not be enough in a theater with a capacity of 20,000 spectators, it is understood that the toilet was specially installed for theater workers and performance artists.
A Roman Villa in Smyrna
In the garden of a house in Izmir, a villa with columns and a mosaic floor, thought to belong to a wealthy Roman from the Roman period, was discovered. It was understood that the ruins belonged to a prestigious Roman villa, similar examples of which were found in Ephesus Terrace Houses. The building was richly decorated with frescoes and mosaics.
