Leopard figure mural found in ancient Tripolis

Researchers working at the ancient Greek city of Tripolis in Turkish Denizli have discovered the figure of a leopard on the wall of a shop that was located next to the market area.

The leopard figure has been discovered on the walls of
ancient shops [Credit: Hurriyet]

“We know that the walls of the important buildings in the Roman era were covered with frescoes. We found one of the examples of it. There are various animal and plant figures on the walls of the shops. The leopard figure was significant to us. Zoologists from the university will conduct studies to find out the features of this figure,” said Pamukkale University Professor Bahadır Duman, the head of the excavation team at the ancient Aegean city.

Two of the shops, which were built in the Roman era, have been revealed, said Duman, adding that the shops, which date back to the 3rd century A.D., opened onto the main street of the city.

The excavation is currently working to unearth the entire ancient city, which is located in Denizli’s Buldan district.

Duman said the ancient city was set to receive financial support from the Southern Aegean Development Agency (GEKA) and that works would continue so as to welcome more visitors next year.

Buldan Vocation School Director Ercan Haytoğlu, meanwhile, said t that they were considering making the feline the symbol of the district.

Source: Hurriyet Daily News [December 12, 2013]