The archaeological excavation presidency of the ancient city of Elaiussa Sebaste, one of the most important port cities of the Eastern Mediterranean, located in the Erdemli district of Mersin, was given to Assist. Prof. Dr. Asena Kızılarslanoğlu, Head of the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of our University. Prof. Dr. Asena Kızılarslanoğlu was appointed.
Started in 1995, the excavations were carried out by the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy until 2022. In 2023, it continued under the presidency of the Mersin Museum under the scientific consultancy of Assist. Prof. Dr. Kızılarslanoğlu. This decision marks the beginning of a new era in archaeological research in the ancient city.
Elaiussa Sebaste, with its strategic location on the important coastal road connecting Anatolia to Syria and its rich natural and agricultural resources, was the trade centre of the region from the 2nd century BC to the 7th century AD. Elaiussa, which had a vast trade network extending from Italy, Spain, Africa, Cyprus, Syria and Palestine to the Aegean and Black Sea regions, was an active part of the intensive trade in the Mediterranean Region.
The ancient city, which became a "metropolis" in the 2nd century AD, was a large Roman city with its theatre, temple, agora, basilica, necropolis, Byzantine palace, production areas and baths. The excavations, which will begin this summer, will offer the Department of Archaeology students an excellent application area where they can transform their theoretical knowledge into practical knowledge.
Assist. Prof. Dr. H. Asena Kızılarslanoğlu stated that they aim to make discoveries that will shed light on the education of students and the history of the ancient city. Our university aims to contribute significantly to academic and cultural fields with this critical Project.
