The head of the Stratonikeia’s excavations, Prof. Bilal Sogut, told reporters that Stratonikeia was known as the “city of love and gladiators.”
He noted that a total of 12 gladiator sarcophagi, which were unearthed during excavations, are now being exhibited at the entrance of the ancient city.
“We know the names of all of these gladiators. We will put some information and symbolic paintings about them next to the graves.
He earlier said remains from many eras in history could be seen in the ancient city, where they have discovered a settlement dating back 3,500 years.
Home to settlements of Leleges and Carians throughout history, Sogut said Stratonikeia was also important during the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Anatolian beyliks, Ottoman and Republican eras.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News [November 22, 2015]