Roman archaeological discoveries made in Kibyra and Side

Archaeological excavations in Turkey have yielded significant Roman-era discoveries at the ancient sites of Kibyra and Side.

In Kibyra, located in the Burdur province, researchers have reconstructed a 2.14-meter-tall marble statue of Emperor Hadrian. The statue, which depicts the emperor in military attire with lion and eagle reliefs on his armor, was assembled from fragments discovered at the city’s Monumental Entrance Gate. Archaeologists believe the original sculptures were likely destroyed during an earthquake in AD 417. Additionally, fragments of a statue believed to belong to Empress Sabina were also recovered.

In the ancient city of Side, located in Antalya, excavations have uncovered a 390-meter-long ancient street known as 'b Street.' The findings reveal the architectural evolution of the area from the Roman period to the Late Antique era. Key discoveries include a stoa dating to the 2nd century and the Heracles Gate, which features intricate reliefs depicting the Twelve Labors of Heracles alongside depictions of deities such as Athena, Zeus, Artemis, Hygeia, and Tykhe. The site shows how the street was transformed into a monumental urban axis following the construction of the Bishop's Palace complex in the 5th century.