Archaeologists have uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved mosaic and an almost completely intact cistern in an ancient Greek city that thrived under the Roman Empire, during a time of growing political alliances and cultural influence.
The discovery took place in the ancient city of Syedra, located near Alanya in the Antalya province of southern Turkey. The mosaic, dating to the 5th century AD, is in remarkable condition, offering valuable insight into the artistic and architectural sophistication of the period.
This archaeological breakthrough is part of the “Heritage for the Future” initiative led by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture. The excavation team is headed by Associate Professor Ertug Ergurer of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University. Experts have hailed the find as one of the most important in recent years due to its historical, artistic, and structural integrity.
The Mosaic and the Ingeniously Designed Cistern
Excavations in residential areas and olive oil workshops, located between Syedra’s Roman bath complex and its main road, led to this striking discovery.
Beneath a beautifully decorated mosaic floor, archaeologists uncovered a five-meter-long cistern in excellent condition. Alongside it was an unexpected feature: a repurposed ossuary (a container used to hold bones), originally from the city's necropolis.
In a creative twist, the base of the ossuary had been cut and fitted into the cistern wall, functioning as a primitive window to allow light into the space and make it easier to monitor. This unusual adaptation highlights the resourcefulness of the city’s inhabitants.
Aerial view of the mosaic discovered in ancient Syedra (Photo: Syedra Excavations)
A City with a View — and Strategic Importance
Perched on a mountain roughly 20 kilometers southeast of Alanya, Syedra boasts commanding views of the Mediterranean Sea. The city included both upper and lower residential areas and played a significant role in both maritime and overland trade.
Historically, Syedra served as a trade hub linking Pamphylia in the west with Rugged Cilicia (Trachaea) in the east. Its strategic coastal location made it a vital intersection for goods, people, and cultures.
Maritime Ties with the Great Powers of Antiquity
Due to its position at a key coastal crossroads, Syedra maintained strong maritime links with ancient powers such as Cyprus and Egypt. While signs of commercial activity in the city’s harbor go back to the Bronze Age, significant urban development has only been confirmed from the Hellenistic period onward.
Peak Prosperity During the Roman Empire
Syedra reached its peak during the Roman Imperial period, particularly under Emperor Tiberius, when it began minting its own coins. The city flourished between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, with vibrant civic life and increasing political significance.
Inscriptions found at the site suggest a population of around 4,000 to 5,000 residents. Notably, Syedra supported Septimius Severus during the imperial conflict of 194 AD. In later centuries, the city was incorporated into the Byzantine episcopal network, further emphasizing its regional importance.
A Glimpse into the Lives of Roman Veterans
The mosaic discovered in the ancient city of Syedra in Alanya, Antalya (Photo: Syedra)
Syedra’s economic and strategic value is reflected in its luxurious public buildings, monumental tombs, and inscriptions along colonnaded streets. Some researchers believe that many of these inscriptions commemorate retired Roman soldiers who settled in the city after military campaigns in the East—suggesting that Syedra may have also functioned as a kind of veteran settlement.
The recent discoveries—both artistic and architectural—underscore Syedra’s historical depth and cultural richness. As research continues, these finds promise to further illuminate life in a city that once stood at the crossroads of empires.
