Archaeologists working in the ancient city of Pergamon, close to today’s Bergama, Turkey, have found an impressive Roman-era residential complex known as the “Mosaic House.” This find, which is part of Turkey’s “Heritage for the Future” project, sheds light on the city’s Greco-Roman history and how its culture changed over the years.
Mosaic from the Palace V of the Acropolis at Pergamon, with inscription of the artist Hephaistion, 2nd century BCE, Pergamon Museum Berlin. Credit: Carole Raddato
Pergamon, a prominent Greek city on the northern edge of the Caicus Plain, flourished during the Hellenistic period as the capital of the Pergamon Kingdom. Its rulers wanted to build a “second Athens,” and the city had grand structures such as the renowned Library of Pergamon—considered second only to the Library of Alexandria—an acropolis, and a theatre that could hold up to 10,000 spectators. Even after it became part of the Roman Empire, Pergamon retained its architectural and cultural prestige.
Archaeologists have unearthed a vast residential complex with a peristyle courtyard and a stone pool at its center. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sezgin, who leads the Archaeology Department at Manisa Celal Bayar University, directed these digs. This grand home was built between the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE and was occupied well into the Christian era when the nearby Red Basilica became a church. The residence was likely abandoned following a devastating fire during Arab raids in the 7th century.
The Mosaic House stands out because of its intricate mosaic floors. These floors show a blend of geometric and floral motifs from the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. The mosaics reflect Greek artistic traditions and Roman influences.
Acropolis of Pergamon. Credit: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0
One of the most exciting finds at the site is a sealed roof tile from the Hellenistic period with the Greek inscription “Basilike” stamped on it, which means “belonging to the king.” Prof. Sezgin explained that these seals were used on buildings made for the royal family in the Pergamon Acropolis. While similar artifacts have been found before, this is the first time an intact sealed tile has been found in Pergamon.
A fascinating discovery is a repurposed tombstone in the courtyard pool. It bears the inscription “The Sweetest Child in the World” and depicts a young child hunting rabbits with his dog.
Researchers have also found a Byzantine-era cemetery with multiple graves. This suggests that people faced tough living conditions in the late Byzantine period. They’ve also found kitchen utensils, weapons, jewelry, and coins. Some of these items might soon go on display at the Bergama Museum.
The excavations have uncovered about 20% of the site so far. Along with the excavation work, restoration efforts are underway at the Temple of Dionysus.
Source: YeniSöke Newspaper
