Türkiye’s ancient Herakleia’s hidden love for animals revealed through paw prints, artifacts

In the ancient city of Herakleia, located in Milas, Mugla province, recent excavations have uncovered intriguing evidence of the strong bond between the people of this city and animals.

Among the discoveries were paw prints on bricks, mosaics depicting animals, oil lamps, and graves containing animal skeletons buried alongside humans, offering valuable insights into the deep connection Herakleia’s inhabitants had with nature and animals some 2,000 years ago.

Excavation site: Portal to past

The excavation efforts at Herakleia began four years ago in Kapikiri village, under the scientific consultancy of Professor Zeliha Gider Buyukozer. These ongoing excavations, conducted throughout the year, continue to reveal significant artifacts and structures, helping bring the ancient city’s history to light.

Herakleia, known for its well-preserved historical buildings, has become a new hotspot for tourists. The city’s ancient ruins and artifacts provide a window into the daily lives of its former inhabitants, revealing a deep respect for animals and nature.

Animal figures and paw prints: Testimony to Herakleia’s animal affection

Among the key findings were figurative mosaics, oil lamps, and bricks marked with paw prints, as well as graves that included animals buried alongside humans.

These discoveries strongly suggest that the people of Herakleia not only coexisted with animals but also held them in high regard, incorporating them into their rituals and daily life.

Professor Zeliha Gider Buyukozer, the head of the Latmos and Herakleia Excavation, described the area as extraordinary because of its 500 million-year-old geological history and stunning natural landscape.

She highlighted that the Herakleians had an exceptional ability to build structures while preserving the environment and using natural resources sustainably.

Respect for animals evident in grave sites

In 2022, excavations at the southern Hellenistic tower uncovered a tomb where a dog was buried beside a human. Prof. Buyukozer explained that this discovery reflects the importance the people of Herakleia placed on their pets, emphasizing the strong bond they shared with them, even in the afterlife.

Furthermore, paw prints were discovered on numerous Roman-era tiles from a bathhouse. These prints likely formed when pet dogs stepped on wet tiles that were drying in the open air after being molded. Prof. Buyukozer pointed out that these prints serve as concrete evidence of the Herakleians’ affectionate and symbiotic relationship with animals.

Mosaics and art reveal rich connection to the animal kingdom

The mosaics found during the excavation, often featuring animal figures, further underscore Herakleia’s deep appreciation for the natural world. “The visuals found in the excavations reveal how well the people of Herakleia understood and admired the surrounding animals,” said Professor Buyukozer.

“These depictions, along with the ceramic pieces and oil lamps adorned with plant and animal motifs, showcase the people’s love for nature and animals.”

Herakleia’s residents did not only view animals as part of their environment but elevated them to the realm of art, integrating nature’s beauty into their living spaces. Professor Buyukozer emphasized that the affection for animals and nature in Herakleia has been passed down through generations, deeply ingrained in the region’s cultural heritage.

Legacy of animal love and nature reverence in Herakleia

This continued reverence for animals and the environment in Herakleia and the surrounding Latmos region speaks to a longstanding cultural tradition.

The evidence from these excavations provides a fascinating glimpse into a civilization that prioritized its relationship with nature, ensuring that its values were reflected both in their daily lives and their art.