Ancient inscription honoring Emperor Hadrian found in western Türkiye

By Mehmet Calik

USAK, Türkiye (AA) – Excavations in the ancient city of Blaundos, located in Türkiye's western Usak province, have uncovered a plaque dedicated to the famed Roman Emperor Hadrian.

Ongoing since 2018, excavations at Blaundos, a city founded by soldiers from Macedonia during Alexander the Great’s campaign in Anatolia, have uncovered remarkable finds.

Blaundos is surrounded by the deep Ulubey Canyon and has a single entrance, resembling a natural fortress.

The excavations, which began this year in June, are focused on a 2,000-year-old temple of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, as well as a monumental tomb area at the city's entrance.

A team of 60 archaeologists is working on the columned street.

The east-west street in front of the temple of Demeter served as the heart of the ancient city during the Roman and Byzantine eras.

During their work, archaeologists discovered a marble inscription dedicated to Hadrian.

The inscription, measuring 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) long and 35 cm (13.8 inches) wide, reads, "To the Savior and Founding Emperor Hadrianus Olympios."

Archaeologists believe the inscription was likely created to honor Hadrian, who reigned in 117-138 AD, and is known for aiding cities and expecting praise from local populations in return.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli in Istanbul