Results of latest excavations in ancient Myra

This year’s excavations (2020) were concentrated around the Roman Theater. Archaeologists hoped to find remnants from earlier constructions that would complete the picture of Myra (see: Ancient Myra from Finike) we have until now.

Their search was rewarded when they unearthed a small Hellenistic theater underneath the Roman construction. Also, sections of walls were retrieved as well as a number of bronze, lead, and silver artifacts and various ceramics.

[Picture from the Hurriyet Daily News]

The most impressive find, however, was the collection of some 50 terracotta figurines. They represented male and female figures, gods and goddesses, some children and women with children, and cavalry figurines. Inscriptions from the 2^nd-1^st century BC were disclosed as well. Many of the artifacts still have traces of red, blue, and pink paint, making them particularly interesting.

As always, such scenes from daily life help to complete the information we have so far about the culture and beliefs of that time, in that area.

Once these figures are restored and cleaned, they will be exhibited at the Museum of Lycian Civilizations, which has been created inside the walls of Hadrian’s Granary in Andriake, the harbor of Myra (see: Andriake’s Museum has opened).