The enigma of Roman sarcophagus symbols in Turkey

The enigma of Roman sarcophagus 

symbols in Turkey

An exquisitely carved sarcophagus has been unearthed in Stratonicia one of the ancient marble cities located in the Caria region of southwestern Turkey. The sarcophagus is notable for its intricate carvings of garlands including grapes. The carvings also feature various fruits and leaves such as grapes olives and pomegranates reflecting the wealth of the time. The corners and sides are adorned with statues of the Greek god Eros or Cupid. This ancient stone sarcophagus from Stratonicia is approximately 2,000 years old dating back to the 2nd century AD.

The ancient city of Stratonikeia is located in the village of Eskihisar  Yatağan in Muğla province Turkey

The world's largest marble city known in ancient times as the "City of Gladiators" and "City of Gladiators and Eternal Love" is one of the few continuously inhabited archaeological sites in the world. Evidence from Stratonicia dates back to the Roman Empire famous gladiators trained and fought here. It is renowned for its military traditions and is home to the oldest surviving collection of ancient warrior sculptures.

A 2,000 year old marble sarcophagus from the ancient city of Stratonicia in Turkey. The sarcophagus is decorated with images of Eros adorned with bunches of grapes A carved head of a bull or a ram symbol in Roman art / Credit Image : turkiyetoday

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Stratonikeia is one of the few historical sites continuously inhabited from 1500 BC to the present day. In the past the city was a center for gladiator training featuring Hellenistic and Roman architecture. The blend of ancient Greek and Roman ruins interspersed with Ottoman-era houses and mosques once inhabited by the local people serves as the backdrop for a legendary romantic love story, a tale of overlapping times in the ancient city of Stratonikeia in Mugla province.