Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a rare Roman-era mosaic depicting the Greek river god Eurymedon as a youthful deity in the ancient Greek city of Aspendos (Greek: Ἄσπενδος), offering new insight into local art, urban life, and the city’s relationship with water.
The mosaic was found during excavations on Theatre Street, the ancient road linking Aspendos’ acropolis with its famous Roman theater. According to Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the artwork forms part of a mosaic-covered structure uncovered in the East Square area, between the city square and the eastern fortification walls.
Dating to the third century A.D., the mosaic depicts a figure identified as “Young Eurymedon,” the Greek river god associated with the ancient Eurymedon River, now known as the Köprüçay River. The discovery is considered unusual because locally identifiable river gods are rarely represented in Anatolian mosaics.
The building was adapted after an ancient earthquake
The structure measures approximately 6 by 25 meters (20 by 82 feet), although archaeologists have so far excavated only a 6-by-7.5-meter (about a 20-by-25-foot) section. Researchers believe the building originally served as a pool or another water-related facility during the early third century.
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare Roman-era mosaic in ancient Aspendos depicting the Eurymedon River as a youthful deity.
Dating to the 3rd century A.D., the artwork shows "Young Eurymedon" reclining beside flowing water, reeds and fish, symbols of fertility and abundance. pic.twitter.com/I7Xu5i82y7
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) June 18, 2026
Evidence suggests the structure was later modified following the earthquake of A.D. 262. Internal walls divided the building into smaller spaces, providing a glimpse into how Aspendos adapted its urban landscape after a major natural disaster.
The exposed mosaic floor consists of two principal sections. One contains geometric patterns, while the other features the figural scene of Young Eurymedon.
River imagery reflects the city’s prosperity
In Greco-Roman art, river gods were often portrayed as divine figures associated with fertility, abundance, and life. The Aspendos mosaic follows this tradition while emphasizing the city’s local identity.
Aspendos’ta yürüttüğümüz kazı çalışmalarında, Roma Dönemi Anadolu mozaik sanatına ışık tutacak son derece önemli bir keşfi gün yüzüne çıkardık.
Tiyatro Caddesi’nde ortaya çıkarılan mozaiğin merkezinde, kente hayat veren Eurymedon Nehri’ni simgeleyen “Genç Eurymedon” tasviri yer… pic.twitter.com/MZOogvqVzJ
— Mehmet Nuri Ersoy (@MehmetNuriErsoy) June 18, 2026
The Greek river god Eurymedon is shown reclining beside an amphora from which water flows. Reed leaves adorn his head and appear in his hand, while fish swim nearby. Together, these elements symbolize the life-giving power of water.
The imagery carried special meaning in Aspendos. Located in the ancient region of Pamphylia, near the Mediterranean coast, the city depended heavily on the Eurymedon River for agriculture, trade, and communication. Researchers believe the youthful appearance of the deity may have been intended to emphasize renewal, vitality, and fertility.
Important addition to Anatolian mosaic studies
The ministry said the mosaic was created using small tesserae, allowing the artist to achieve detailed modeling and subtle color transitions. The craftsmanship is especially visible in the figure’s proportions and the careful rendering of aquatic symbols.
Researchers say the mosaic is particularly significant because clear depictions of locally identifiable Greek river gods are rarely found in mosaic art in Anatolia.
Aspendos is best known for its remarkably preserved second-century Roman theater and its extensive aqueduct system, both of which were added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List in 2015.
The newly discovered mosaic expands understanding of the city beyond its monumental architecture while preserving a rare image of the Greek river god who symbolized the waterway that helped sustain Aspendos.
As excavations continue, archaeologists hope the unexcavated portions of the mosaic will reveal more about the building’s original design and the role it played in the life of ancient Aspendos.
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