Stunning discovery in Türkiye’s Stratonikeia unveils 2,000-year-old garlanded sarcophagus

Ongoing excavations at Stratonikeia, an ancient city located in Mugla’s Yatagan district, have unearthed a remarkable 2,000-year-old sarcophagus adorned with intricate garland motifs. Known as the “City of Gladiators” and recognized as one of the world’s largest marble cities, Stratonikeia has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Excavation efforts, which began in 1977, continue throughout the year, revealing new treasures from deep within the ancient city.

Crossroads of civilizations through the ages

Stratonikeia holds significance not only for the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods but also for the Mentese Beylik, Ottoman, and Republican eras of Türkiye. As new artifacts come to light, restoration efforts breathe life back into the historic structures scattered across the site.

Professor Bilal Sogut, head of the Stratonikeia and Lagina Excavation Team, emphasized the city’s importance within the ancient region of Caria. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, he noted that archaeological excavation, restoration, and documentation work continue across various structures spanning from antiquity to the modern era.

‘Heritage for the Future Project’ boosts excavations

Since last year, excavations have been conducted under the “Heritage for the Future Project,” Sogut explained. “One of these initiatives is our ongoing excavation at the Agora—the heart of public, political, religious, and commercial life in ancient cities,” he said.

“During the excavations at the Agora, we discovered a garlanded sarcophagus that had been relocated from the Necropolis, dating back approximately 2,000 years.”

Masterpiece among ancient sarcophagi

Highlighting the significance of the discovery, Sogut described the newly unearthed sarcophagus as the finest example within the ancient city’s collection. Evidence suggests that Stratonikeia not only produced sarcophagi but also exported them to other regions in antiquity.

The sarcophagus features ram heads at its corners, as well as depictions of Eros (the god of love, often portrayed as a child) and bull heads along its sides.

“This piece stands out for the diversity of figures and the clarity with which we can date it. It represents one of the best examples among garlanded sarcophagi,” Sogut noted.

“With this discovery, Stratonikeia now boasts one of the most stunning sarcophagus chests in archaeological research.”

‘Each shovel stroke holds new hope’

Sogut emphasized the vividness of the sarcophagus’ decorations despite the passage of two millennia. “You can still see the wealth, grandeur, and extravagance of the time. The garlands are exceptionally detailed, brimming with life,” he said. The sarcophagus is adorned with depictions of plants, including pine cones, grapevines, olive leaves, pomegranates, poppies, and more.

“Even just by looking at the ram heads on the corners, you can sense the richness and majesty of that era,” he added.

The bull heads and other fine details enrich the overall design, making this sarcophagus a truly exceptional find. Excavations in the area are ongoing, and according to Sogut, “Every stroke of the shovel could bring new hope, new artifacts, and beautiful results.”