Archaeological studies begin in Türkiye’s Selinus, where Roman Emperor Trajan died

Archaeological studies in Selinus ancient city, located on a hill extending into the sea southwest of Haci Musa Stream in Gazipasa, Antalya, will begin on a large scale in September, according to Associate Professor Tuna Akcay from Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University.

A historical treasure of ancient world

Selinus was inhabited during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, making it one of the most significant sites in the Rugged Cilicia region. The city holds historical importance because of the death of Roman Emperor Trajan, who passed away here in 117 A.D. after falling ill during his return from a military campaign. Because of this, the city was also known as Trajanopolis.

The ancient city features a rich collection of Roman structures, including a medieval castle, agora, grand and small baths, Sekerhane Pavilion, and monumental tombs. The acropolis contains a church and a cistern that have survived through the ages.

Other notable remains along the coast and slopes include additional baths, agoras, a Seljuk pavilion, an aqueduct, and a necropolis. The presence of an ancient workshop is also suggested by the numerous ostotheks housed in the Alanya Archaeology Museum, which were originally brought from the Selinus necropolis.

Life and legacy of Emperor Trajan

Born in 53 A.D. in Italica, Hispania, Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus, better known as Trajan, was destined to become one of the greatest emperors of Rome. Rising swiftly through the military ranks, he left his mark on the empire’s frontiers.

Trajan ruled during the golden era of Rome, expanding its borders and securing his place among the ‘Five Good Emperors.’

However, his journey took a tragic turn on his way back from an eastern campaign when he stopped in Selinus, unaware that this ancient city would become his final resting place.

Trajan’s final days in Selinus

According to historical sources, Trajan’s health deteriorated rapidly upon reaching Selinus. The emperor, once a symbol of Rome’s power, was confronted with his mortality in the silent embrace of this ancient city. On Aug. 8, 117 A.D., he succumbed to illness, and his ashes were placed in a glass urn and sent to Rome.

115 Antioch Earthquake: A deadly prelude to Trajan’s illness

Two years before his death, Trajan had narrowly escaped one of the most devastating earthquakes in history. The 115 Antioch earthquake, which struck on Dec. 13, registered an estimated magnitude of 7.5 and reached XI (Extreme) on the Mercalli intensity scale.

This catastrophic event caused massive destruction, killing approximately 260,000 people and making it one of the deadliest earthquakes recorded in Türkiye’s history.

The earthquake also triggered a powerful tsunami that heavily damaged the port of Caesarea Maritima. At the time, Trajan, his successor Hadrian, and Consul Marcus Pedo Vergilianus were wintering in Antioch during a military campaign against the Parthians.

While Vergilianus perished in the disaster, Trajan and Hadrian survived with minor injuries. Despite the devastation, Trajan immediately initiated reconstruction efforts, including repairing or rebuilding a key aqueduct between Antioch and Daphne. However, he did not live to see the completion of the project, which was later finished by Hadrian.

Eyewitness accounts: Cassius Dio’s account of disaster

The Roman historian Cassius Dio documented the horrifying details of the earthquake in his Roman History. He described Antioch as overcrowded with soldiers and civilians when the tremors began with a deafening roar.

The ground shook violently, launching people and trees into the air while buildings collapsed, trapping many beneath the rubble. Aftershocks persisted for days, causing further casualties among those buried alive.

Trajan miraculously escaped by climbing out of a window but, fearing continued aftershocks, chose to sleep in the open-air hippodrome with his entourage.

The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Antioch, leveling Apamea, severely damaging Beirut, and generating tsunamis that devastated coastal cities, including Caesarea and Yavne. A thick tsunami deposit found at Caesarea Maritima suggests the port was heavily damaged or destroyed by the event.

Though ancient sources report 260,000 deaths, the accuracy of this figure remains uncertain, as it only appears in records from the last century.

End of an era and beginning of new one

Following Trajan’s death, Hadrian was declared emperor by the Roman army in Antioch on Aug. 11, 117 A.D. He remained there until September before setting off for Rome. Hadrian’s reign marked a shift in imperial policy, focusing on consolidation rather than expansion.

The excavation efforts set to begin in Selinus this September may unveil new insights into this historic city and its connection to one of Rome’s greatest emperors.

As archaeologists delve deeper into the city’s ruins, they may uncover further details about the life and death of Trajan, adding yet another layer to Selinus’ rich and fascinating history.