‘City of Gladiators,’ Türkiye’s Stratonikeia reveals ancient genetic secrets
Archaeogenetic studies are being conducted on skeletons found in the tombs of the ancient city of Stratonikeia, known as the "City of Gladiators," in Yatagan district of Mugla, Türkiye on December 1, 2024. (AA Photo)
Stratonikeia, an ancient city located in the Yatagan district of Mugla, renowned as the “City of Gladiators,” is not only home to some of the largest marble ruins in the world but is also a significant archaeological site where cutting-edge archaeogenetic research is being conducted.
The site, which was a hub of life during the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Anatolian Beyliks, Ottoman, and Republican periods, continues to be a focus for excavation, restoration, and conservation year-round. Alongside these efforts, scientific research is shedding light on ancient diseases and genetic mutations, providing a deeper understanding of past populations.
Promising insights from Stratonikeia’s archaeogenetic studies
Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Biophysics Chair, Professor Aylin Koseler, shared with an Anadolu Agency correspondent that the archaeogenetic research will span 1.5 years and aims to uncover the genetic footprint of ancient civilizations through DNA analysis of skeletons found in Stratonikeia‘s burial sites.
“We are comparing ancient diseases with modern ones, focusing on regional differences,” Koseler said. “By isolating DNA from the bones found during excavations, we aim to gather information about diseases that affected the local population in ancient times. The first results are incredibly promising.”
Koseler emphasized the importance of the skeletons discovered in the ancient city’s burial sites, describing them as valuable resources for the research. “We have completed about six months of the project. The excavation team is identifying period-specific findings, and chronological data is being prepared. We have already identified key mutations, particularly in the MTHFR gene. As we gather more samples, we aim to discover whether these mutations appear more frequently across the population.”
Insights from Roman, Byzantine skeletons
Koseler explained that the project not only focuses on more recent findings but also incorporates ancient remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods, with similar mutations being identified in these skeletons.
These discoveries are offering new insights into how ancient populations might have dealt with genetic diseases and health issues.
Collaboration with Pamukkale University Medical Faculty
Professor Bilal Sogut, Head of Excavations at Stratonikeia and Lagina Ancient Cities, also emphasized the importance of the ongoing research efforts. He highlighted that, in addition to the excavation work, various research and support projects are being conducted, including a collaboration with Pamukkale University’s Medical Faculty.
“In this project, we are researching diseases found on animal and human skeletons uncovered during the excavations, and the results are truly encouraging,” Sogut added.
The ongoing work at Stratonikeia is uncovering invaluable knowledge about ancient health conditions and the genetic legacy of past civilizations, offering a unique glimpse into the genetic makeup of ancient populations and their interactions with diseases.
The archaeogenetic research at Stratonikeia is pushing the boundaries of archaeological science, uncovering ancient diseases and genetic patterns that could reshape our understanding of ancient health and genetics. With further discoveries anticipated, this project promises to provide critical insights into the lives of those who lived in this remarkable ancient city.
