Ancient Roman milestone found in Ordu to be displayed in museum
In Ordu, a 1,800-year-old spindle stone, which was determined to belong to the Roman period, was handed over to the Ordu Museum Directorate to be exhibited, Türkiye, November 1, 2024. (AA Photo)
A milestone from the Roman period, estimated to be approximately 1,800 years old, has been delivered to Ordu Museum Directorate for exhibition.
The historic stone was previously used in the foundation of Laleli Central Mosque in Ordu’s Fatsa district.
Historic milestone unearthed after decades
Ordu’s Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Ugur Toparlak explained to Anadolu Agency (AA) that the milestone was originally part of the mosque’s foundation but was relocated to the garden area during renovations 56 years ago.
Recently, a Latin inscription carved on the stone attracted attention, as associate professor Seckin Evcim from the Art History Department at Ordu University noticed the text and translated it, discovering a unique historical reference.
Symbolic road sign from Roman era
Toparlak noted that the stone, classified as a Roman milestone, dates back to the 300s A.D. “The inscription praises the king and, metaphorically, describes a pathway attributed to him. This stone served as a directional sign in its time, guiding travelers on the road. It’s essentially an ancient Roman road sign from nearly 1,800 years ago,” he said.
The milestone was transported by Fatsa Municipality teams to the garden of the Ordu Museum Directorate, where it will be preserved. Toparlak stated, “We have taken steps to secure the stone, and it will undergo a thorough cleaning process. In the near future, it will be featured in our new museum, showcasing this remarkable piece of our ancient heritage.”
The rediscovery of the nearly 1,800-year-old Roman milestone in Ordu highlights Türkiye’s rich historical heritage. The stone, once part of a mosque foundation, will soon be exhibited, providing a unique glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
