Ancient cold storage depot found in Sagalassos

BURDUR – Doğan News Agency

DHA Photo

A structure that is believed to have been used as an ancient cold storage depot has been unearthed in the ancient city of Sagalassos in the southern province of Burdur’s Ağlasun district. 

“A big two-story building was found in the upper agora. We think that it was used as a cold storage depot in the Hellenistic era,” said Professor Jeroen Poblome of Belgian Leuven Catholic University, who is heading the excavations at the site. “Other ancient cities have similar structures, but this is the first in Sagalassos. It is such a big building that excavations may last five years.”

Stating that they were working in eight different spots this year, Poblome said: “We are looking at the early centuries of Sagalassos. We know that Alexander the Great fought here. Sources say that Sagalassos was not a small city. This is why we want to reach early periods of Sagalassos. We are working in the upper agora, believing that the city center was there. We have not so far found anything about Alexander the Great, but Hellenistic-era artifacts are gradually [coming to surface].”

Poblome said the ancient city was home to important buildings and monumental structures from the 2nd century B.C. 

Excavations first started at Sagalassos in 1989. This year’s excavations are being conducted with 115 people, 60 of whom are Turks, and will continue until Aug. 31.