VIDEO: Myra and Andriake ancient site excavation commence

ANTALYA - Doğan News Agency

DHA Photos

This year’s excavation works have begun in the ancient site of Myra and the Andriake Port situated in Demre district of Turkey’s southern resort province of Antalya. 

Six of the most important ancient sites of the Lycian Union lie in this area, where excavations kicked off in 2009. 

The initial excavation team was led by Professor Nevzat Çelik of Akdeniz University’s Archaeology Department. However, another team, led by Professor Nurettin Öztürk from Erzurum University’s Archaeology Department, has taken over the excavation in the past two years. 

The team, consisting of nine scientists, including colleagues from France, 26 archaeology students and four workers, will continue their excavations in the Calidarium (hot room) section of the ancient Roman bath, which dates back to the 2nd century. 


The team will also unearth artifacts from the front of the Andriake Port’s Granarium (grain storage) part. 

In September, the team will focus on the Myra Castle.

Professor Öztürk stated that the works have been carried out with a 7 to 8 meter-long barrier.

The history of the ancient site of Myra dates back to 5th century B.C. The site has made a name as a metropolis of the Lycian Union, where Saint Nicholas (later known as Santa Claus) lived and was buried. 

The theatre of Myra can host 13,800 people; archaeologists have been surprised by theater masks unearthed during the excavations.

The ancient site has survived until present-day without undergoing any restoration.