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| This year’s excavation works have begun in the ancient site of Myra and the Andriake Port situated in Demre district of Turkey’s southern resort province of Antalya [Credit: DHA] |
The initial excavation team was led by Professor Nevzat Çelik of Akdeniz University’s Archaeology Department. However, another team, led by Professor Nurettin Öztürk from Erzurum University’s Archaeology Department, has taken over the excavation in the past two years.
The team, consisting of nine scientists, including colleagues from France, 26 archaeology students and four workers, will continue their excavations in the Calidarium (hot room) section of the ancient Roman bath, which dates back to the 2nd century.
The team will also unearth artifacts from the front of the Andriake Port’s Granarium (grain storage) part. In September, the team will focus on the Myra Castle.
Professor Öztürk stated that the works have been carried out with a 7 to 8 meter-long barrier.
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| Rock-cut tombs at ancient Myra [Credit: DHA] |
The theatre of Myra can host 13,800 people; archaeologists have been surprised by theater masks unearthed during the excavations.
The ancient site has survived until present-day without undergoing any restoration.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News [August 01, 2015]