Archaeologists at the ancient Greek city of Miletus (Greek: Μίλητος) in modern-day Turkey are using 19th-century techniques alongside modern 3D technology to document inscriptions that offer new clues about religion, citizenship and Roman rule.
The approach follows a growing use of digital tools to study difficult ancient texts. Researchers recently used digital modeling to decipher Greek inscriptions at the ancient city of Termessos in modern-day Turkey. Kaja Harter-Uibopuu led a weeklong field campaign in late summer with Ann-Lauren Osthof, Selcen Köroğlu and Sercan Kılıçkaya, a prospective master’s student at the CSMC.
The team focused on an area south of the ancient city’s market that archaeologists excavated in 2025. Several inscriptions found there had not been seen since the first major excavations at Miletus in the early 20th century. Their rediscovery gave researchers a chance to examine the stones again after more than 100 years using modern documentation methods.
Reused stone honors Roman Emperor Aurelian
Among the newly studied texts was an honorific decree for Roman Emperor Aurelian. The Milesians had reused a stone carrying an earlier inscription. They erased the name of an emperor previously honored on the monument and replaced it with Aurelian’s name. The altered inscription provides evidence of how residents reused older monuments for new imperial honors.
Another discovery offered a more personal glimpse into religious life. Researchers documented a small altar dedicated to Aphrodite by a Milesian woman named Artemonis. According to the inscription, Artemonis made the dedication after receiving instructions in a dream.
Archaeologists at ancient Miletus are combining 19th-century techniques with 3D technology to study newly documented inscriptions. Finds include an altar to Aphrodite, a reused decree honoring Emperor Aurelian and a Hellenistic citizenship list found in an olive garden. pic.twitter.com/As7hw0jjhG
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) September 10, 2026
Evidence of worship of Aphrodite has been found at ancient sites across the Greek world. Archaeologists have also recently uncovered a marble head of Aphrodite at ancient Heracleopolis in Egypt.
The team also recorded a fragmentary inscription honoring Emperor Hadrian. The Roman ruler was known for his admiration of Greek culture and left a major architectural mark on the Greek world, including his association with the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens.
Ancient technique meets 3D technology
Researchers used the altar to test photogrammetry for the first time during their epigraphic campaigns at Miletus. The technique combines photographs taken from different angles to produce detailed 3D models.
The team also continued using paper squeezes, a method epigraphers have used since the 19th century. Researchers press wet paper into carved letters with brushes. Once dry, the paper creates an impression of the inscription. The two methods give researchers different ways to record and study writing preserved on ancient stone.
Final discovery found in an olive garden
One of the campaign’s most unexpected discoveries came on its final day. A former excavation worker led the team to an olive garden near Miletus, where he had found a Hellenistic inscription containing a list of new citizens. The stone originally came from the Delphinion, one of the ancient city’s major sanctuaries and civic spaces.
Researchers will now study the newly documented inscriptions and prepare them for publication in the journal Philia. Together, the finds add to Miletus’ extensive written record and offer new evidence about its residents, religious practices, citizenship, and relationship with Roman emperors.
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