Agora unearthed at ancient Laodicea

Excavations at Laodicea, an ancient city located near Eskihisar, Denizli province of Turkey, revealed a 100-metre long agora covering the area of 35000 square metres.

Ancient Laodicea (by DHA Photo)

The excavations were focused in the area of the agora and the ancient theatre. The northern sacred agora is the only one in the world. It is 100 metres long and contains a 11 metre high wall in the back and a 10.8-meter columned gallery. The wall is covered with paintings, and according to the experts considered particularly important for world archaeology. The agora is the largest sacred field in Anatolia. It was established that the structures there collapsed during an earthquake in 494 AD. A number of artefacts was discovered at the site, including sculpture heads, jewellery, and ceramic pots and pans. Excavations in the area of the Hellenistic theatre, located in the western part of the city, were carried in the area of the structure’s stage. The first floor of the stage structure survives entirely and the second floor survives partially and preserved reliefs have been documented. The stage was also decorated with sculptures.

(after Hurriyet Daily News & DHA photo)

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