A Glimpse into the Past: Alabanda’s Rich Heritage
The Horse Racing Legacy
In the western province of Aydin, Turkey, lies the ancient city of Alabanda, a name that echoes its equestrian history. Derived from the Carian words for “horse” (Ala) and “race” (Banda), the city’s name was bestowed by King Kar to commemorate his son Alabandos’ victory in a horse race, according to Byzantine historian Stephanos.
A Vast Ancient Metropolis
Spanning an impressive 500 hectares, Alabanda stands as one of Anatolia’s largest ancient towns. Since 2015, Professor Ali Yalçın Tavukçu from Erzurum Atatürk University’s Department of Archaeology has been leading excavations in this historical treasure trove.
The Emperor’s Marble Legacy
A Remarkable Discovery
In a thrilling turn of events, archaeologists have unearthed fragments of a marble statue depicting Roman Emperor Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus. The statue, believed to be 1,900 years old, was found scattered across different locations within the ancient parliament building during ongoing excavations.
Piecing Together History
The statue, estimated to stand 2.5 meters tall when complete, currently exists in six parts, including portions of the head and body. Experts are diligently working to locate the remaining pieces. Once fully restored, this rare artifact will find its new home in the Aydın Archaeology Museum.
The Significance of the Find
A Glimpse into Hadrian’s Reign
Professor Tavukçu sheds light on the statue’s importance: “Hadrian, who ruled between 117 and 138 AD, was one of the most well-traveled emperors in the Roman Empire, with numerous expeditions to Anatolia. We believe this statue was created to commemorate one of his visits, possibly around 120 AD.”
Boosting Local Tourism
Aydın Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Umut Tuncer emphasizes the discovery’s potential impact: “The ancient parliament building where the statue was found is one of the largest in Anatolia. We anticipate this rare statue will attract many visitors in the coming seasons.”
Alabanda: A Window to Ancient Civilizations
The city of Alabanda offers a fascinating glimpse into both Hellenistic and Roman periods. Visitors can explore impressive structures including towering walls, a theatre, a senate house, a people’s assembly building, the Temple of Apollo, an agora, and mausoleums. The site also features a Roman Period aqueduct along the Kemer Creek, further testament to the city’s historical significance.
As excavations continue, Alabanda promises to reveal more secrets of its storied past, offering invaluable insights into the rich tapestry of ancient Anatolian history.
