Excavations at Alexandria Troas in present-day northwestern Turkey have revealed elaborate marble decoration inside an ancient odeon, including carved friezes, column bases, and stone thresholds leading to its stage building.
Findings from the 2024 excavation season show the structure was among the most richly decorated public buildings in the city’s forum, according to a study by researcher Erdinç Buruldağ.
Archaeologists traced a passage from an arched doorway on the west side of the structure toward the stage building. Excavations uncovered marble thresholds, matching bases on opposite sides of an entrance and sections of wall decoration still in place. Broken architectural pieces included carved leaves, bead patterns, and fragments of columns.
The report estimates that the stage building extended 25 to 30 meters (82 to 98 feet) in length and measured about 3.5 to 4 meters (11 to 13 feet) wide. Its surviving architecture suggests this part of the structure may have had two stories.
Marble friezes reveal Alexandria Troas’ ancient odeon design
The lower walls appear to have been covered with marble to a height of 100 to 120 centimeters, roughly 3 to 4 feet. Above that, rectangular and square brick panels added decoration.
Along the western wall, researchers identified marble friezes about 2.8 meters (9.1 feet) long, although much of the original surface is gone. The surviving wall plan also includes corners and recessed sections, suggesting a carefully arranged interior.
In excavation areas labeled ODN 5 and ODN 5.1, workers found a marble base decorated with curved bands and a broken column section measuring 1.1 meters (3.6 feet). A second base found earlier on the opposite side matched its design.
Further digging exposed another marble threshold and a passage turning toward the stage. At floor level, excavators also documented marble wall coverings and finely shaped baseboards. Researchers believe the building may once have displayed sculptures and inscriptions honoring individuals.
Later construction damaged the odeon’s original features
The ancient odeon at Alexandria Troas was altered during later occupation. Archaeologists recorded walls made from reused blocks and rubble placed over older remains, damaging parts of the original building. They also documented a room dating to the Byzantine period, built on top of fill.
Excavations near the southern entrance exposed part of a vaulted passage and evidence of a collapsed wall. Other work in the forum investigated the neighboring Polygonal Building and drainage channels beside the Podium Hall.
Founded in 310 B.C. near today’s Dalyan village in Çanakkale province, the city preserves remains from the Hellenistic Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods. Archaeological work there has been directed since 2011 by Erhan Öztepe of Ankara University. Further excavation could provide a clearer picture of the odeon’s stage building and decoration.
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