Third-Largest Roman Structure, Dating Back 2,000 Years, Unearthed

Archaeologists have discovered an ancient Roman structure known as an “odeon,” a multi-purpose function hall which researchers say is the third largest in the country, per a report from Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University.

Structure is Third-Largest Found in the Country

The remarkable find was made in Turkey’s ancient city of Sagalassos, in the Burdur province, and was situated near a 1,892-year-old fountain of Rome’s Emperor Hadrian. Researchers say the odeon is a marvel of modern design, a structure which could accommodate about 2,500 people and served as both a chamber for political and judiciary matters as well as an entertainment venue for music and shows.

Özgür Tarkan, the excavation’s deputy director and lecturer at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University’s Archaeology Department, explained that the operation to completely unearth the odeon is still very much underway. Tarkan and his team are hopeful that they’ll not only be able to reveal the odeon, but also the fountain and a surrounding communal square which was intricately adorned with stones.

It Was Likely Used for Ceremonies and Entertainment

To date, this is the third-largest odeon ever discovered in Turkey, following those unearthed at sites in Ephesus and Kibyra. Tarkan said it’s likely that the odeon’s was built to be so large because, at this time during the second century, Sagalassos was the epicenter of imperial cult worship and held festivals throughout which brought thousands of pilgrims and other visitors to the region. During these events, the odeon was used for both ceremonial and entertainment purposes.

Tarkan marveled at the discovery, which he says offers unprecedented insight into the entertainment, political, and religious communities in ancient Roman provinces. “Thanks to the excavation and restoration works we are conducting, the rich heritage of Sagalassos will be passed on to both the scientific world and future generations,” Tarkan said.