Türkiye’s ‘City of Gladiators’ brings history back to life
Restoration of the structures at the entrance of Stratonikeia Ancient City, located in Yatagan district of Mugla and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is underway, forming the village square, Türkiye, January 23, 2025. (AA Photo)
The village square at the entrance of Stratonikeia, known as city of gladiators, an ancient city in Mugla’s Yatagan district, is undergoing a grand restoration as part of the “Legacy for the Future Project.”
Recognized on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List, the site is being revitalized to showcase its historical significance and revive long-lost traditional trades.
A living archaeological legacy
Known as the “City of Gladiators” and one of the world’s largest marble cities, Stratonikeia has been the focus of continuous excavations since 1977. With historical layers spanning the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, as well as the Menteshe Beylik, Ottoman, and Republican eras, the site offers a unique glimpse into Türkiye’s rich past.
Professor Bilal Sogut, head of the Stratonikeia and Lagina excavations, emphasized the importance of the village square:
“This area is special because it contains the entire settlement fabric of the Menteshe Beylik, Ottoman, and Republican periods. Over the years, we have restored key structures such as Saban Aga Mosque, Seljuk Hammam, Semerci Omer House, and Ali Aydin Houses.”
Bringing back traditional trades
As part of the ambitious project, experts are reconstructing the village square to resemble its pre-1950s state. The initiative aims to revive disappearing professions, turning the square into a living heritage site.
“We want to bring back the trades that once thrived here. Visitors will find a bakery, tailor shop, coppersmith, shoemaker, blacksmith, and ceramic workshop—just as they were in the past,” Sogut explained. “Imagine sitting under the shade of the ancient plane tree, buying fresh bread from the bakery, or shopping for handmade goods from traditional artisans.”
Cutting-edge 3D technology enhances experience
To enrich the visitor experience, the restored structures are being brought to life with state-of-the-art 3D technology. This allows tourists to see and understand how these buildings functioned in different historical periods.
Currently, six houses and seven shops have been approved for restoration, with work already underway. Additional structures are also being planned to ensure the site remains an immersive historical attraction.
Stratonikeia: City of gladiators and immortal love
Stratonikeia, an ancient city with a rich cultural history, has witnessed continuous settlement from the Bronze Age to the Republican era. Its name originates from a captivating love story in the 3rd century B.C. King Nikator of Seleucid chose a young woman named Stratonike from Thrace as his wife. However, his son Antiochos fell in love with her, and as a result, he became ill from the despair of his unrequited love. The famous physician Erasistratus discovered the cause of his illness when he observed the encounter between Antiochos and Stratonike. Upon learning of the situation, King Nikator, deeply fond of his son, allowed their marriage, and Antiochos, now the new king, renamed the city Stratonikeia in her honor. This remarkable love story has inspired numerous artists since the 17th century.
In addition to its romantic history, Stratonikeia is also renowned as the “City of Gladiators.” It is home to the largest known gymnasium in Anatolia, and archaeological findings, including the tomb of Stelae, indicate that famous gladiators trained and fought here.
About 8 kilometers from the city lies a sacred site dedicated to the goddess Hecate, featuring a temple with her cult statue. As the only known temple dedicated to Hecate, the site attracts visitors worldwide. Hecate symbolizes making choices with strong will and decisiveness, especially during moments of important life decisions.
A timeless cultural destination
With the restoration nearing completion, visitors will soon be able to walk through a fully reconstructed historic square, experiencing the architectural and cultural legacy of Türkiye’s past.
Stratonikeia’s transformation into a living archaeological park promises to be a major draw for history enthusiasts and cultural tourists alike.
