Ancient Roman road uncovered in southern Türkiye

An ancient Roman road dating back nearly 2,000 years has been uncovered in the Mersin province of southern Türkiye, revealing a crucial link between the Mediterranean coast and the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. The discovery, made during a conservation and documentation project, spans a two-kilometer stretch between the neighborhoods of Kızkalesi and Ayaş in Erdemli district. This section of the road, believed to have once connected the coastal city of Antalya to the ancient city of Antioch and further into modern-day Syria, is now considered one of the best-preserved examples of Roman infrastructure in the region. The excavation and survey work, led by Associate Professor Şener Yıldırım of Mersin University's Department of Art History, focused on restoring and documenting the road alongside three early Christian churches found along its path. These structures, dating back to the late Roman period, contribute to the area’s significance as a religious and cultural hub. The project was supported by the Erdemli Governor’s Office, Erdemli Municipality, and the Erdemli Chamber of Commerce, with financial backing from Eğriçayır Honey. Yıldırım emphasized that the road was one of the primary transportation routes within the Roman Empire, connecting its central regions to the eastern territories. He explained that the newly uncovered section links the ancient cities of Korykos and Elaiussa Sebaste, offering valuable insight into the movement of goods, people, and ideas across the empire. According to him, the road’s condition is remarkably intact, allowing visitors to walk parts of it in small groups. Local officials expressed optimism about the future of the site. Erdemli Governor Aydın Tetikoğlu highlighted the scenic beauty of the location, noting that travelers can enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the surrounding mountains and forests on the other. Erdemli Mayor Mustafa Kara confirmed that the municipality is committed to expanding access to the site as part of regional tourism initiatives. “We have completed the cleaning of this 2,000-year-old Roman road,” he stated. “Our work will continue with new projects so that it can become part of the region’s tourism offerings.” Mustafa Karagöz, president of the Erdemli Chamber of Commerce, praised the efforts to preserve the area’s rich cultural heritage. He pointed out that the district is home to over 200 archaeological sites, including nearby locations such as Kızkalesi, Sebaste, and Akkale. “Conservation efforts have also been carried out at these sites,” he said. “Preserving the newly revealed Roman road is a shared responsibility for local authorities, tourism stakeholders, and the public.” The team is currently preparing a restoration plan aimed at transforming the road into a dedicated cultural tourism route. Yıldırım noted that securing funding will be essential to proceed with repairs and enhancements. Once completed, the road is expected to play a key role in the Cilicia Marathon route, drawing both history enthusiasts and athletes to the area. With continued support from local government and community organizations, the ancient road stands poised to become a lasting symbol of Türkiye’s deep historical roots.