Quoted by Heritage Dilly; In recent archaeological excavations in the city of Strack, in the Yatqan district of Moghla province in southwestern Türkiye, a coffin with remarkable decorations belonging to the Roman Empire was discovered. The coffin dates back to about two thousand years ago.
According to the Greek geographers’ writings, Strabo, the city of Stratonikia was ordered by Antocheus I Suther, the King of Seleucids, and in honor of his wife, Queen Straton.
During the Roman Empire, the city became one of the prominent cultural and political centers and became known for its magnificent public monuments such as Bazaar Square (Agura), Stadium (Gimaazium), temples and massive theaters. It was also known as the City of Gladiator, as it was a place for practicing, competition and retirement of gladiators. Many of the inscriptions and roles related to the battle of the gladiators are still in the city’s amphitheater.
The newly discovered coffin was discovered by a team led by Professor Bihad Sogalev from the University of Pamukkaleh in the depth of the main square of the city, Agura; Where it was once the center of social life.
According to the official report of the team, the coffin is carved into the carvings (flower motifs), and in the four corners of the ram, there are two narrow sides of the cow’s head, and images of Ersa – the god of love in Greek myths.
Researchers believe that the coffin is made of local strategic stone and is a great example of Roman decorative coffins.
The city of Stratonikia is currently listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the discovery is within the framework of the “Heritage for the Future” project; A project aimed at identifying and protecting antiquities throughout Türkiye.
RCO NEWS