Floor mosaic unearthed in ancient Nysa

AYDIN

Archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Nysa have uncovered a mosaic floor, which is believed to date back to the fourth century. 

The ancient city in the western province of Aydın, which was established in the Hellenistic era, was densely populated in the Roman and Byzantine eras and one of the trade routes in the ancient ages. 

So far, the assembly building, agora, forum, market basilica, tunnels and bridges have been unearthed during the works in the ancient city. The works have been carried out in the ancient city by Ankara University since 1990 and supported by the Yaşar Education and Culture Foundation since 1998. 

The head of the excavations, Ankara University Archaeology Department academic Associated Professor Hakan Öztaner, said the works were focused on the western side this year, adding that they had found floor mosaics. 

Öztaner said the structure could date back to the fourth century. 

“The structure with a mosaic floor has a 25-meter-long and five-meter-wide big hall. We think the mosaics are related to the bath in the south and a Roman villa in the west. Works will continue in the coming years in these places,” he said. 

Stating that the ancient city was also called the Nysa of Meander, Öztaner said it progressed in the field of education and culture, particularly in the Roman era. 

“One of the structures that were used for education in the city was a gymnasium, where young boys were educated, and the other is the Nysa Library, which is one of the best-preserved libraries in Anatolia after the Ephesus Celsius Library. Along with these structures, the agora, the theater and the market basilica show the improved culture of the city,” he said. 

Famous geographer came to Nysa for education 

Öztaner said Turkey was lucky to have an ancient city like Nysa. 

“Famous geographer Strabon had come from Amasya to Nysa for education. This year’s works in Nysa were carried out in the Roman villa and the mosaic structure in its south as well as on the bath, market basilica, Forum area and Street 1 and Street 8B in the west part of the city. Urgent restorations have also been made in the ancient city. Conservation and anastylosis works were also carried out,” he said.