Ancient Athlete Inscription Discovered in Türkiye

Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Anemurium in Mersin, Türkiye, have uncovered a 2,000-year-old inscription honoring a wrestling athlete. The 13-line inscription, found in the Liman Hamam area, names the athlete “Kaikilianos,” who won a wrestling competition held every five years. This is the first time a complete inscription of this kind has been discovered in Anemurium, an ancient city known for training athletes who competed in national and international contests. Excavation director Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tekocak highlighted the city’s significance as both a port and a center for athletic training in ancient times.