Theatre reliefs found in ancient Stratonikeia

Excavations at the ancient city of Stratonikeia in the Aegean province of Mugla’s Yatagan district have uncovered 15 reliefs estimated to be 2,300 years old. The masks feature mythological gods and have been engraved into marble blocks.

The mythological reliefs have been engraved into marble blocks [Credit: Hurriyet/AA]

The theatre currently under excavation in Stratonikeia was one of the most important centres for education and culture during its day, the head of the excavations Professor Bilal Sogut said. 

“We have recently found 15 2,300-year-old reliefs of mythological gods chiseled out of marble blocks. The reliefs support written documents describing the time period.”

Excavation work in Stratonikeia is giving archaeologists and historians a glimpse into the social life and cultural events of this ancient age, according to Sogut.

“The masks that we had previously found were of small figures used in theatre plays, but these are reliefs of the figures. They will be displayed in their own place after restoration and conversation works. This will take long time, however, and is why we show these masks to visitors in the appropriate place.” 

Source: Hurriyet Daily News [October 16, 2012]