Two Aphrodite statue fragments discovered at Pompeiopolis excavation

Archaeologists unearthed two statues of the Aphrodite at the ancient city of Pompeiopolis in Kastamonu, Turkey. The fragments were found during ongoing excavations in the Odeon, a concert hall adjacent to the theater.

Associate Professor Dr. Mevlüt Eliüşük from Karabük University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department of Archaeology, who is leading the excavations, shared details of the find. "We found two Aphrodite statues. We identified the head of one and a small-sized body of the other. Our work will continue until the end of the month. Starting from 2025, restoration and conservation works will begin," Eliüşük stated, according to NTV.

"The structure is dated to the 2nd century CE or the first half of the 150-160 dates. We found two pieces of statues inside the structure," Eliüşük told Star.

Excavations at Pompeiopolis have been ongoing since 2006. The team intensified work in the Odeon next to the theater. "We have been working in this area for 2.5 months. We excavated a 2-meter-thick ash layer in the Odeon. We understood that almost all the seating rows in the Odeon have turned into lime. No remains have survived from the seating rows to the present day. We found only a few pieces," he explained ,as reported by Cumhuriyet.

The discovery of the Aphrodite statues generated excitement among local officials and archaeologists. The statues have been placed under protection and are slated to undergo survey, restoration, and conservation work next year.

Taşköprü mayor Hüseyin Arslan expressed optimism about the potential impact of the excavations on tourism and the local economy. "Hopefully, in the coming years, an important area will be created for visitors. Pompeiopolis Ancient City is the largest excavation in the Black Sea, the largest ancient city. It will hold a very important place in the tourism route. Taşköprü, even the Kastamonu region, will have an important tourism area," Arslan said, according to Karar.

Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Kerem Seven, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the site's future significance. "In the near future, Pompeiopolis will be the Ephesus of the Black Sea; it will breathe life into the regional economy. Our Minister Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy made a promise during his visit to Kastamonu; he has kept this promise. More funds have come for the Pompeiopolis excavation than the total of the funds that have come so far," Seven stated, as reported by Anadolu Ajansı.

Pompeiopolis, founded in 64 BCE, served as the capital of the Paphlagonia region and is one of the largest Roman settlements in Anatolia. The ancient city holds significant historical and cultural heritage, and the recent discoveries are poised to enhance its appeal as a major tourist destination.

The archaeological team is set to continue their work until the end of the month, focusing on both excavation and preparation for future restoration efforts. "Our work will continue until the end of the month. Starting from 2025, restoration and conservation works will begin," Eliüşük noted, according to Diken.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq