An ancient city with precious and unique mosaics has been discovered by archaeologists in İzmir’s Kemalpaşa neighborhood, a find dating back to around the late Roman or Byzantium period. It is estimated that this unearthed city is one of the many lost cities of Anatolia.
According to Anatolia news agency, the Cultural Beings and Museums’ General Director Osman Murat Süslü noted in a press conference that the region is characterized by a rich archaeological structuring and that the historic structure of the villa complex unearthed in the city could be defined as the Zeugma of the West, referring to an ancient city known for its rich mosaics in the southeastern province of Gaziantep.
Archaeologists brought a 550-square-meter villa complex with thick walls, water channels and 11 rooms to light, which revealed one-of-a-kind mosaics of high quality and master design.
Süslü additionally underlined that illegal excavations and antiquities smugglers had caused serious damage to the site and warned everyone involved to be ready to face the consequences of their actions. The Turkish government is trying to recover artifacts and archaeological treasures that have been illegally sold in the past.
Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay described the unearthed city as “good news that will draw the world’s attention.”
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