Archaeologists excavating the ancient Greek city of Perinthos in the Marmaraereğlisi district of Tekirdağ have discovered clear evidence of Hellenistic-period construction at the site’s theatre, extending its history earlier than previously thought.
Theatre Excavation Yields New Layers
Professor Zeynep Koçel Erdem, excavation director and faculty member at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University’s Department of Archaeology, said the team prioritised the theatre because it is the city’s most important prestige structure and surface remains made it the logical starting point.
“There is a six-metre fill, but beneath it the seating steps and the overall plan of the theatre are gradually emerging,” she explained. “Each year the picture becomes clearer and we are reaching important results.”
Hellenistic Period Confirmed
Researchers had initially attributed the main construction phases to the early Roman period. Fresh finds now show traces belonging to the earlier Hellenistic era — a significant discovery for understanding the development of Perinthos.
Possible Thracian Sacred Site
The theatre was carved directly into the bedrock. Archaeologists believe this natural rock formation may earlier have served as an open-air sanctuary used by the Thracians.
“These findings are also very important for Thracian archaeology,” Professor Erdem noted.
Perinthos, a major ancient Greek city on the Propontis (Sea of Marmara), continues to reveal new insights into the classical and pre-classical history of Thrace.
Source: DHA