Cleaning works reveal artifacts in Milet ancient city

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

The sculptures were found in a one meter-deep well in the inn.

During cleaning works of an inn in the ancient city of Milet in Ankara, terracotta finger figures as well as sculptures have been discovered.

The artifacts show that the inn served as a holy site in ancient times.

According to information provided by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the excavations are headed by Associate Professor Philipp Niewohner. The finger figures are similar to the ones found in Corinth and southern Italy and such cult objects were presented to gods and goddesses with the recovery of those who had fallen ill in mind.

The sculptures were also found in a one meter-deep rectangle-shaped well. It is speculated that someone hid the sculptures in the inn’s well during the period when emperor Theodosius I forbade such cults.
Among the artifacts found in the well were oil lamps dating back to 4th and 5th centuries and roof tile pieces. It shows that the inn ceased serving as a holy site from this century.