Ancient gladiator arena in Türkiye’ Sebastapolis to be fully unearthed
The structures of Sebastapolis Ancient City, where gladiators once fought, located in the Sulusaray district of Tokat, Türkiye, February 7, 2025. (IHA Photo)
The ancient city of Sebastapolis in Sulusaray, Tokat, once a grand stage for gladiator battles, is set to be fully unearthed through an extensive excavation project.
Experts believe that with sufficient funding, the site could be completely uncovered, offering invaluable insights into Roman-era life and boosting the region’s tourism potential.
Decades of interrupted excavations
Excavation efforts in Sebastapolis date back to the 1980s when initial work was conducted by Tokat Museum Director Birsel Ozcan. After a 20-year hiatus, a French team resumed excavations in 2010, followed by archaeologist Sengul Dilek Ful from 2013 to 2018.
The latest phase, initiated in 2021 under the Tokat Museum‘s supervision, has been led by Associate Professor Akin Temur from Ondokuz Mayis University since 2023 under a presidential decree.
“To fully unearth the city, excavations must be extended over a long period. If adequate support is provided, Sebastapolis can be revealed and introduced to the scientific world,” said Temur.
Many other structures excavated along with gladiator arena
Currently, two structures are undergoing excavation: a Roman bath and a Byzantine church. Previous research has also identified a gymnasium, stadium and temples dedicated to Herakles, Zeus, Hadrian, and Traian, as well as a theater, agora, asklepion, necropolis, and fortification walls. However, much of the site remains buried beneath the modern town of Sulusaray.
“Uncovering the full extent of the city requires the expropriation and demolition of existing buildings, which makes the process lengthy and costly. Local authorities and business leaders must play a crucial role in supporting this endeavor,” Temur emphasized.
Hidden city beneath 10 meters of earth
One of the biggest challenges in excavating Sebastapolis is its location within the floodplain of the Cekerek River. Over time, layers of sediment up to 10 meters deep have covered the site, preserving its structures but also making excavation extremely labor-intensive. The project requires extensive manpower, time, and significant financial investment.
“Findings indicate that this site has been continuously inhabited since 3000 B.C., making it a treasure trove for archaeologists,” Temur noted. “With the necessary support, we can bring this lost city back to light and turn it into a major historical attraction.”
