Archaeological discoveries in Smyrna and Adramytteion reveal Roman era details

archaeological discovery Smyrna Agora Roman era ancient water channel mosaic findings

Archaeological excavations in Turkey have yielded significant findings in both İzmir and Balıkesir. In the Smyrna Agora, researchers have discovered an ancient Roman water channel that has continued to flow for approximately 2,000 years. Excavation leader Prof. Dr. Akın Ersoy noted that the channel's source is likely a spring near the Namazgah Bath or Kurşunlu Mosque. Recent digs have also uncovered three new spaces featuring mosaic and marble floors, along with wall paintings similar to those found at Ephesus, dating to the 5th and 6th centuries.

In Balıkesir’s Adramytteion ancient city, archaeologists uncovered a 750-square-meter Roman villa. The structure is decorated with intricate frescoes and mosaics, including depictions of birds, fish, and a winged horse. Notably, the mosaics include pet cats and dogs with their names, such as 'Zmaragdin' for the cat and 'Okyanos' for the dog. The presence of North African motifs, such as pygmy figures, suggests the villa may have belonged to a wealthy merchant with trade links to North Africa.

Entities

Adramytteion · Akın Ersoy · Izmir Katip Celebi University · Ministry of Culture and Tourism · Smyrna Agora · İzmir Metropolitan Municipality

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The newly discovered spaces are dated to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. www.gazetebirlik.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The water source may be connected to a spring near Namazgah Hamamı and Kurşunlu Mosque. www.gazetebirlik.com · www.karar.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Newly discovered wall paintings in the Agora and Theater area share characteristics with the Terrace Houses in Ephesus. www.gazetebirlik.com · www.karar.com
[● 3 SOURCES] An ancient water channel in the Smyrna Agora has been flowing for approximately 2,000 years. www.gazetebirlik.com · www.karar.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The municipality is providing 34.5 million Turkish Lira in support for the Smyrna Agora and Ancient Smyrna Theater excavations for the 2025-2027 period. www.karar.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The excavation team has successfully traced a 150-meter section of the ancient water channel. www.gazetebirlik.com · www.karar.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Excavations revealed three new spaces, two with mosaic floors and one with marble flooring. www.gazetebirlik.com · www.karar.com