Ancient insights unveiled in Türkiye’s Antakya Hippodrome excavations
An archaeologist examines a figurine from the Early Hellenistic Period (300-200 B.C.) depicting ancient philosophers, along with a figurine head dating to the end of the 2nd century B.C., found during excavations at the Antakya Ancient Hippodrome, Hatay, Türkiye, on November 15, 2024. (AA Photo)
Fragments of two terracotta figurines have been unearthed during archaeological excavations around the Antakya ancient Hippodrome in Hatay, shedding light on the intellectual heritage of the Early Hellenistic Period.
Figurine depicts ancient sophist educator
One of the figurines, remarkably preserved with its head and part of the torso intact, is believed to represent a “sophist”—a term used in antiquity for philosophers and itinerant educators who disseminated intellectual knowledge. Initial examinations suggest it dates back to 300–200 B.C., a period marking the Early Hellenistic era.
The other figurine fragment, a head, has been identified as belonging to the late second century B.C. This piece may have been part of a household item or even a child’s toy, according to the researchers.
Discoveries highlight Antakya’s intellectual legacy
The excavation, part of the “Heritage for the Future Project,” spearheaded by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, focuses on the “palace area” within the hippodrome site in Antakya’s Kucukdalyan neighborhood.
Professor Hatice Pamir, head of the excavation team and a faculty member at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University’s Department of Archaeology, emphasized the significance of the finds:
“This figurine, portraying a sophist, underscores Antakya’s prominence as an intellectual hub in antiquity. The discovery of an artifact from the Hellenistic Period demonstrates that intellectual education was highly valued at the time.”
Professor Hatice Pamir, Head of Excavation Team
Pamir noted the figurine was crafted using a free-hand technique by an artisan rather than being produced with a mold, adding to its uniqueness.
The figurine fragments have been transferred to the Hatay Archaeology Museum for preservation and further study.
This discovery not only enriches the narrative of Antakya’s ancient urban fabric but also provides new insights into the intellectual and cultural practices of the Hellenistic Period in Türkiye.
