Traces of a medieval market discovered in Türkiye’s ancient city of Aphrodisias
Traces of a medieval market on the largest street of the city during the Principalities period, where all the Eastern Mediterranean peoples shopped, have been found in the ancient city of Aphrodisias, Aydin, Türkiye, August 25, 2024 (AA Photo)
Archaeological excavations in Aydin’s Karacasu district have uncovered traces of a medieval market in the ancient city of Aphrodisias. This market is believed to have been an international trading hub frequented by various Eastern Mediterranean communities.
These excavations have unearthed artifacts from various historical periods, ranging from the city’s founding in the 5th century B.C. to the Seljuk era.
According to Professor Roland R.R. Smith, who leads the excavation, the latest discovery includes a medieval marketplace situated along the city’s main street.
This market is believed to have been used by various communities from across the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting its significance as a center of international trade.
Aphrodisias: A city rich in history
Founded in the 5th century B.C., Aphrodisias is one of the most famous ancient cities dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. The excavations have revealed monumental structures from the Roman period, such as marble buildings, gymnasiums, a stadium, and a theater, as well as traces of continuous habitation up until the Seljuk period.
Prof. Smith noted that the excavations along the main street have provided insights into the city’s history across different periods. He emphasized that although the city experienced a decline in the 7th century, its residents did not abandon it. Instead, they adapted to new ways of life, continuing agricultural activities despite the collapse of the monumental marble structures.
The significance of the medieval market
The latest findings point to a marketplace located on the city’s busiest street during the medieval period.
Numerous coins have been discovered in this area, and Prof. Smith mentioned that Turkish numismatists are conducting detailed studies on these coins.
The findings confirm that this area was a bustling market and an international trading center frequented by Eastern Mediterranean communities.
Prof. Smith also shared plans to make the site more accessible to tourists. Despite the heavy traffic on the street, the pavement has been well-preserved, and the team aims to open the area to visitors.
He hopes that Aphrodisias will become one of Anatolia’s most significant historical walking paths.
The discovery of an international marketplace from the medieval period further highlights the historical and archaeological richness of the ancient city of Aphrodisias. As excavations progress, the site’s value as a tourist destination is expected to grow.
