Ancient Library Discovered in the City of Gladiators – Why Archaeologists Call It an Architectural Marvel

A remarkable marvel of antiquity—unique in both design and history—has emerged from archaeological excavations in the heart of southeastern Turkey.

Deep within ancient Caria, a rare and architecturally stunning Roman-era library has been unearthed in Stratonicea, a major city of the ancient world located in the province of Muğla. This extraordinary find offers fresh insight into the intellectual and architectural achievements of the past.

Known as the “City of Gladiators” and once one of the largest cities built primarily from marble, Stratonicea has been the focus of continuous archaeological efforts since 1977. Excavations today are conducted year-round under the leadership of Professor Dr. Bilal Söğüt of Pamukkale University, who heads the Stratonicea and Lagina research team.

Stratonicea: A Marble Masterpiece of Ancient Caria

Founded during the Hellenistic period by the Seleucids, ancient Stratonicea was situated in the Carian region of Asia Minor, southeast of Mylasa and south of the Marsyas River, a tributary of the Maeander. Today, the city is listed on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites and is regarded as one of the largest ancient cities in the world built extensively from marble.

A wonder of antiquity, unparalleled in both design and history, is being unearthed in the heart of southeastern Turkey.
Photo: AA

A Library at the Crossroads of Civilizations

Strategically located at the junction of four major roads in the city center, the library was originally built during the Hellenistic period and later redesigned in the Roman era. By the 4th century AD, the addition of intricate mosaics showed that the building continued to play a vital role well into Late Antiquity.

According to inscriptions discovered on site, the library was constructed by a master artisan from Ephesus, the cultural heart of Ionia. “Over the past five years, we’ve been excavating this particular structure,” explained Professor Söğüt. “We’ve uncovered key areas, including the main entrance, the southern colonnade, the central courtyard, the reading room, and adjacent chambers. These findings reveal a library of impressive scale and significance.”

Withstanding Earthquakes and the Test of Time

A marvel of antiquity—unique in both design and history—emerges from excavations in the heart of southeastern Turkey.
Photo: AA

In the early 7th century AD, a powerful earthquake struck the region, inflicting major damage. While much of the city contracted in size and function, the library endured—standing as a silent witness to centuries of cultural continuity and scholarly life. The excavation team not only mapped the entire layout of the library but also identified its architectural evolution over time.

“We now understand how the building was altered in various areas, how it was restored after disasters, and how it continued to serve the community,” said Professor Söğüt.

What makes this discovery truly exciting is the library’s architectural design. Researchers found that the layout of the Stratonicea library is unlike any other known in Anatolia. In fact, it appears to have served as a model for a later library constructed in North Africa—offering invaluable clues about cultural exchanges across the Mediterranean.

“Our goal is to reconstruct sections of the columns and structural elements,” Söğüt added, “so visitors can experience its original grandeur. This isn’t just a building—it’s a testament to the enduring value of knowledge.”

A Cultural Landmark for the Future

With each new layer unearthed, Stratonicea continues to reveal the complex social, architectural, and intellectual fabric of ancient Anatolia. As restoration and conservation efforts progress, this recently uncovered library is expected to become a central hub for both scholarly research and cultural tourism.

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