# Roman era archaeological discoveries in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/roman-era-archaeological-discoveries-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-08-31T06:21:36.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Archaeological excavations in Turkey have uncovered several significant Roman-era structures and artifacts across different regions.

In the Sultanhisar district of Aydın, researchers working on the ‘Heritage for the Future’ project discovered a 1,600-year-old Late Roman bath at the Nysa Ancient City. Led by Professor Serdar Hakan Öztaner, the team is investigating the bath’s connection to the city plan and its role as a cleansing area for travelers arriving from Ephesus and Tralleis.

Subsequent findings in İzmir and Balıkesir have provided further insight into Roman life. In the Smyrna Agora, archaeologists identified an ancient water channel that has remained functional for approximately 2,000 years, alongside spaces featuring 5th and 6th-century wall paintings and marble floors. In the ancient city of Adramytteion, a 750-square-meter Roman villa was unearthed. This villa contains intricate frescoes and mosaics, including depictions of animals with names such as ‘Zmaragdin’ for a cat and ‘Okyanos’ for a dog. The presence of North African motifs suggests the residence may have belonged to a merchant with international trade connections.

## Claims

- An ancient water channel in the Smyrna Agora has been flowing for approximately 2,000 years. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The excavation team has successfully traced a 150-meter section of the ancient water channel. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The water source may be connected to a spring near Namazgah Hamamı and Kurşunlu Mosque. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Excavations revealed three new spaces, two with mosaic floors and one with marble flooring. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Newly discovered wall paintings in the Agora and Theater area share characteristics with the Terrace Houses in Ephesus. (corroborated by 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. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The newly discovered spaces are dated to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Archaeological discoveries in Smyrna and Adramytteion reveal Roman era details

Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a 2,000-year-old flowing water channel in the Smyrna Agora and a richly decorated Roman villa in Adramytteion featuring unique pet mosaics.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/smyrna-agora-excavations-reveal-2000-year-old-active-water-channel

### 2026-08-12: Nysa Ancient City: 1,600-year-old Roman bath discovered

Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,600-year-old Late Roman bath at the Nysa Ancient City in Aydın, Turkey, which likely served as a cleansing station for visitors entering the city.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nysa-ancient-city-1600-year-old-roman-bath-discovered

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Cite as: Roman era archaeological discoveries in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/roman-era-archaeological-discoveries-in-turkey