A gymnasium dating back to the Roman period was unearthed at a construction site in Sarayönü district in southwestern Turkish province of Konya.
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The facility was discovered when an individual preparing to construct a building on his private land located near the ancient city of Laodicea, contacted the local museum directorate for a construction permit to determine if his estate was located on a protected site.
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Museum officials noted that his land sits on a Grade 3 archaeological site, and launched excavations, unearthing an intricate geometric-patterned mosaic with a Greek inscription from the 373-square meter dig, according to Anadolu Agency.
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Ten days of excavation by Konya Museum Directorate crews uncovered mosaics, columns and column bases in the area.
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The head of Konya Museum Directorate Yusuf Benli said that the site is extremely unique as geometric mosaics are rarely found in the city.
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Sarayönü Mayor Nafiz Solak noted that they are preparing a project for the site's protection and make sure that it is open to visitors after excavations are done.
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Expressing his excitement about the finding, Solak said that the site is located near the Istanbul highway, which will enable many people passing by the city to visit.
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Laodicea is currently on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey.
In March, the restoration - currently being conducted in the ancient city- was awarded the European Union Cultural Heritage Jury's special award.
Source: Daily Sabah [October 06, 2017]
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