Sarcophagus of Roman Gladiator Discovered in Türkiye

During ongoing excavations at Ayasuluk Hill and St. Jean Monument in Selçuk, Izmir, archaeologists uncovered a Roman-era sarcophagus believed to date back to the 3rd century BC. The sarcophagus, which contains the remains of 12 skeletons, is thought to have belonged to a Roman gladiator named Euphrates. It was later reused in the 5th century AD, with Christian symbols, including three cross reliefs, added to its interior.

Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan Mimaroğlu, the excavation is supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The sarcophagus bears similarities to those found in imperial burial sites in Istanbul, Marmara Island, and Syria. The discovery sheds light on the reuse of burial sites across different historical periods.