Excavations to resume at Antalya’s ancient city of Rhodiapolis

Excavations at the ancient city of Rhodiapolis in Antalya's Kumluca district are set to restart next year after a temporary halt, according to officials involved in the project. The resumption follows ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve the archaeological significance of the site, which dates back to the Lycian and Byzantine eras. Kumluca District Governor Bahadır Güneş recently toured the site alongside a group of officials, emphasizing the importance of Rhodiapolis as a key historical reference point for the district. He described the ancient city as "a window into Kumluca’s history," underscoring its role in the area’s rich past. Excavation efforts at Rhodiapolis began in 2006 and have since uncovered substantial portions of the ancient settlement. Beste Tomay, an archaeology professor at Adıyaman University and a consultant to the excavation team, highlighted the site's significance within the broader context of Lycian antiquity. She noted that Rhodiapolis occupies a prominent position among the ancient cities of Lycia, both in terms of historical value and cultural impact. This year has been dedicated to preparatory work ahead of the planned resumption of full-scale excavations. Activities include conducting field surveys, evaluating prior excavation results, and cataloging artifacts currently stored. These steps aim to ensure continuity and coherence in the research process, allowing archaeologists to build upon existing findings. Rhodiapolis features remnants from multiple historical periods, including structures such as a theater, bathhouse, agora, temples, a church, cisterns, and monumental tombs. Experts believe that further exploration of the site could yield more insights into the daily lives and customs of the people who once inhabited the area during the Lycian and Byzantine times. According to Tomay, fully revealing the city's layout and structure will significantly enhance Kumluca's historical narrative. It will also reinforce the link between the modern district and its ancient roots, potentially contributing to local identity and tourism. The site has been the focus of continuous academic interest due to its well-preserved ruins and strategic location along ancient trade routes. Researchers hope that new discoveries might provide deeper understanding of how the region functioned within the larger framework of the Mediterranean world during antiquity. Efforts to date have revealed layers of habitation and architectural styles that reflect changes over time. As the excavation resumes, teams expect to find evidence of how different cultures influenced one another through trade, religion, and governance. Preparations for the upcoming season involve ensuring that all equipment and personnel are ready for the challenges posed by the terrain and weather conditions typical of the region. Logistical planning includes securing permits, coordinating with local authorities, and managing access to the site to prevent damage to fragile remains. With the resumption of work anticipated for next year, the project continues to attract attention from scholars and enthusiasts alike. The findings from Rhodiapolis are expected to contribute valuable data to the study of ancient civilizations and their interactions with neighboring regions.