Archaeologists working at the spectacular ancient city of Sagalassos in Turkey's Burdur province have made a significant discovery that promises to reshape our understanding of this remarkable Roman settlement. The ongoing excavations have revealed what will become Turkey's third-largest odeon, a magnificent multi-purpose structure with a capacity of approximately 2,500 people that served both as a venue for musical performances and as a meeting place for city council sessions.
Located near the 1,892-year-old fountain dedicated to Roman Emperor Hadrian, this extraordinary find demonstrates the sophisticated urban planning and architectural prowess that characterized ancient Sagalassos during its golden age details a report on the excavations by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University.
The discovery holds particular significance as Sagalassos, dating back to 3000 BC and currently on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List, was one of the leading cities of the Pisidia Region and served as the center of imperial cult worship during the 2nd century AD. Dr. Özgür Tarkan, excavation deputy director and lecturer at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University's Archaeology Department, emphasizes that when the odeon is fully revealed alongside the fountain and surrounding square paved with small stone blocks, one of the most vibrant and important areas of the ancient city will be brought to light.
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Fountain area at the side of the recently discovered odeon seating circle, Sagalassos. (Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University)
Architectural Marvel Built for All Weather Conditions
The Sagalassos odeon represents a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, discovered approximately 4 meters (12 ft) underground and featuring an enclosed structure that enabled events to continue even during adverse weather conditions such as rain and storms explains the report. This weather-resistant design reflects the sophisticated understanding of Roman architecture and urban planning that characterized the empire's most prosperous cities.
While some of the seating rows were dismantled during the Byzantine period, Dr. Tarkan notes that restoration can proceed efficiently thanks to existing architectural examples from other sites. The structure's impressive capacity of 2,500 people, combined with the city's large theater that could accommodate 9,000-10,000 spectators, suggests that ancient Sagalassos had a population of approximately 35,000-40,000 inhabitants during its peak period - making it one of the most significant urban centers in ancient Anatolia.
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Cultural Hub of the Imperial Cult
The significance of this discovery extends far beyond its impressive size, as the odeon ranks as Turkey's third-largest after the famous examples at Ephesus and Kibyra. Dr. Tarkan explains that Sagalassos served as the center of imperial cult worship during the 2nd century, attracting thousands of pilgrims and visitors during festival periods who would have utilized both the odeon and the larger theater for various ceremonial and entertainment purposes.
Recent excavations have also yielded additional treasures, including a small statue that will be shared by Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, demonstrating the continued archaeological richness of this remarkable site. The odeon's multi-purpose design reflects the complex social and political life of Roman provincial cities, where entertainment, governance, and religious activities often overlapped in sophisticated urban spaces.
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Ongoing investigations at the site. (Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University)
Revealing Ancient Social Life and Architecture
The ongoing excavations at Sagalassos continue to provide unprecedented insights into both the architectural sophistication and social complexity of this ancient metropolis. The site's continuous occupation for approximately 1,500 years, from the 3rd century BC through the 13th century AD, offers archaeologists a unique opportunity to study the evolution of urban planning and cultural practices across multiple historical periods.
Located high in the Taurus Mountains at an elevation of 1,700 meters (5,600 feet), Sagalassos has been the subject of intensive archaeological investigation led by the University of Leuven in Belgium, revealing a massive city center, well-preserved theater, and monumental fountain complex. The newly discovered odeon adds another crucial piece to our understanding of how this remarkable city functioned as both a regional administrative center and a destination for religious pilgrimage.
Dr. Tarkan concludes that, "thanks to the excavation and restoration works we are conducting, the rich heritage of Sagalassos will be passed on to both the scientific world and future generations."
Top image: Ongoing excavations at Sagalassos have uncovered Turkey's third-largest odeon, a remarkable multi-purpose structure that could accommodate 2,500 people for musical performances and council meetings, visible in the background here next to a meeting square. Source: Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University
By Gary Manners
References
Tarkan, Ö. 2025. Turkey's third largest Odeon is coming to light in Sagalassos. Available at: https://www.mehmetakif.edu.tr/en/content/12241/1/turkey's-third-largest-odeon-is-being-uncovered-in-sagalassos
