Türkiye’s ancient city Kaunos reveals remains of water system, medical center

In the ancient city of Kaunos, located in Mugla’s Koycegiz district and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, significant findings have come to light during archaeological excavations. Discoveries of a large cistern and surgical tools indicate that the area once functioned as a medical center.

Kaunos is known for its 2,400-year-old rock tombs, a 5,000-seat theater, basilica, bathhouse, agora, and 1,300-year-old mosaics, attracting numerous visitors every year. This year’s excavations have focused on the Archaic walled monastery area, where many unique structures and materials have been uncovered for the first time.

Kaunos’ Late Antiquity structures discovered

Associate professor Ufuk Cortuk, a faculty member at Mugla Sitki Kocaman University’s Department of Archaeology and the head of the excavation team, noted that the team has been working on a Late Antiquity complex for two years.

According to Cortuk, two significant structures have been uncovered, and he explained the findings as follows: “This year, two major structures were unearthed. The first is a large cistern that provided water for the complex, a significant contribution to archaeology.

The second is a structure that served as a medical center. Surgical needles and bronze probes found in this area clearly indicate that this was a medical facility. So far, we have uncovered 5-6 rooms of the complex, and we are eager to see what more we will discover as excavations continue.”

Coins from reign of Sultan Mehmed II discovered

In addition to Late Roman coins, the excavation team also uncovered coins dating back to the reign of Sultan Mehmed II, indicating that the complex was in use during the Ottoman period. Furthermore, ceramics from the Beyliks period provide evidence of the site’s later use.

The ongoing excavations at Kaunos Ancient City are supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, the Revolving Fund Management Center, and Mugla ISKUR.

Kaunos Ancient City is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, with structures ranging from a 5,000-seat theater to sacred spaces.

The recent findings enrich the historical depth of the area and suggest that even more remarkable discoveries are yet to come.