During recent excavations along Turkey’s southwestern Mediterranean coastline in the city of Antalya, archaeologists have found something big. A partial section of a colonnaded road has been excavated which dates back to the Roman era, which for this town began in 133 BC.
Originating near the city’s ancient protective walls, the spectacular avenue is estimated to be 2,625 feet (800 meters) long. However the majority remains under the ground, and only 330 feet (100 meters) of it have been dug up so far.
The city of Antalya is already known for its impressive collection of Roman structures and ruins, which have helped make it the fourth-most visited city in the world. The hidden Roman street freshly excavated from the bedrock will be added to the ever-growing list of its wonders, giving tourists yet another Roman creation at which to marvel.
Roman Builders Were Busy in Antalya
The buried remnants of the road and the columns that lined its sides were unearthed during excavations being carried out in conjunction with the restoration of Hıdırlık Tower and its surrounding area, sponsored by the Metropolitan Municipality of Antalya and the Antalya Museum Directorate. This striking Roman-era monument is a major tourist attraction in a popular resort city that attracts over 16 million visitors annually.
A mosaic floor is uncovered near to Hıdırlık Tower (Antalya Metropolitan Municipality / Anatolian Archaeology)
“It is one of the important findings of Kaleiçi [Antalya’s central…
