3,000-year-old gladiator graves on display in Turkey's Muğla

MUĞLA - Anadolu Agency

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A total of 12 gladiator graves uncovered in the western ancient city of Stratonikeia have been put on display at the entrance of the city in the Muğla province, located in western Turkey. 

The head of the Stratonikeia’s excavations, Prof. Bilal Söğüt, told reporters that Stratonikeia was known as the “city of love and gladiators.”

He noted that a total of 12 gladiator graves, which were unearthed during excavations, are now being exhibited at the entrance of the ancient city. 

“We know the names of all of these gladiators. We will put some information and symbolic paintings about them next to the graves.

He earlier said remains from many eras in history could be seen in the ancient city, where they have discovered a settlement dating back 3,500 years. 

Home to settlements of Leleges and Carians throughout history, Söğüt said Stratonikeia was also important during the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Anatolian beyliks, Ottoman and Republican eras.