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Archeologists Discover Ancient Library Over Two Thousand Years Old in the Heart of Stratonikeia, with Rare Mosaics and Unique Architecture
A team of archeologists revealed one of the rarest libraries ever found in the territory of the ancient city of Stratonikeia, located in southwestern Turkey. The site, with over two thousand years of history, is situated in the province of Muğla and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Stratonikeia was known as an urban center of the Carian people and also became famous as the “City of Gladiators.”
At one of its central intersections, where four important streets converge, researchers located the library. According to the archeologists, construction began during the Hellenistic period, shortly after the death of Alexander the Great.
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Renovations occurred during the Roman era, when the building was adorned with refined mosaics. The library operated until the 4th century, but was severely damaged by an earthquake around the year 610. The disaster marked the definitive abandonment of the structure.
Professor Bilal Sogut from Pamukkale University is leading the excavations in Stratonikeia and also at the sanctuary of Lagina. He states that the library stands out for its central location, excellent state of preservation, and an unusual architectural plan.
According to Sogut, the design of the library may have served as a model for a similar construction in North Africa. Furthermore, its differences compared to other ancient libraries in the Anatolia region indicate possible variations in its social and cultural uses over time.
During the excavations, the main reading hall, porticoes, side rooms, courtyard, and parts of the entrance connected to the South Street, one of the main thoroughfares of the ancient city, were revealed. Inscriptions on the mosaics indicate that the work was done by a master from Ephesus, a city that houses the famous Library of Celsus.
As reported by Anadolu Agency, the work has been ongoing for five years and focuses on thoroughly documenting all phases of the building’s transformation, including its reconstructions after the earthquake.
The next step for the team will be to re-erect part of the columns of the courtyard. “We want the public to see more than just ruins. We wish for them to feel the living presence of knowledge and history within these walls,” the professor concludes.
With information from Aventuras na História.
