1,600-year-old bathhouse emerges at ancient city of Nysa
Archaeologists in Aydın, Turkey, have uncovered a 1,600-year-old bathhouse at the ancient city of Nysa, believed to have been used by people washing and cleansing themselves before entering the city. The excavation is led by Professor Serdar Hakan Öztaner of Ankara University, supported by the Culture and Tourism Ministry. Nysa, known as the 'city with two sides' due to its location across a valley, is rich in historical structures including a well-preserved library, a large theater, and a stadium. Current efforts focus on mapping the full extent of the bathhouse, particularly its southern and western sections, and understanding its role within the city's layout. The site is part of the 'Heritage for the Future' project, with plans to conserve the structure and integrate it into the city's archaeological plan.
Roman-era healing god statue, wrestler tomb found in Turkey's Aspendos Archaeologists at the ancient city of Aspendos have uncovered a roughly 2,400-year-old tomb believed to have belonged to a wrestler, days after finding a 1,800-year-old marble sculpture depicting the healing god Asklepios and his son Telesphoros, the Culture and Tourism Ministry has announced. Aspendos is located in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya in southern Turkey. The two finds were made separately, with the Asklepios statue discovered first. The marble sculpture, dating back to the final quarter of the second century A.D., depicts the ancient Greek god of wellness, Asklepios, alongside his son and assistant, Telesphoros. The statue group was found among the ruins of the northern wing of a Monumental Gate on the western side of the East Square along Theater Street. According to Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the discovery was part of the ministry’s Heritage for the Future project. Asklepios is shown as a mature, bearded man standing frontally, with long, thick hair. His weight rests on his left leg, while his right leg is slightly bent and extended forward and to the side. His upper body is largely left bare, while his himation is draped over his left shoulder and arranged around his waist and legs in densely worked folds. Telesphoros, depicted in a much smaller scale in front of Asklepios’ left foot, is recognizable by his long, hooded garment, which completely covers his body and conceals most of its anatomical details, giving him a column-like appearance. The statue group represents the healing process as a whole, from treating an illness to full recovery. Asklepios symbolized medicine, treatment and the preservation of health, while Telesphoros, wearing a long hooded garment, signified the completion of treatment, recovery and convalescence. The discovery provides new insights into health cults, beliefs and social life in Aspendos. The tomb believed to belong to a wrestler was uncovered shortly after the statue. It is estimated to be around 2,400 years old. The findings highlight ongoing excavations and discoveries at the ancient city, contributing to the understanding of Greco-Roman culture and practices. The Aspendos Ancient Theatre, where these artifacts were found, continues to be a significant cultural and historical site. The recent discoveries underscore the rich heritage of the region and the continued efforts of archaeologists to uncover more about its past. The 33rd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, organized by the General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet, will take place at the historic Aspendos Ancient Theatre in Türkiye's Antalya from Sept. 12-26, 2026. The festival will feature four major opera and ballet productions, including Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Attila,” Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” interpreted as a ballet, Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” and the Kazakh production “Spartacus.” The festival will bring together artists from Kazakhstan’s Abay Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre, showcasing a diverse range of performances. The festival will open with “Attila,” presented by the Antalya State Opera and Ballet, followed by “Anna Karenina,” “Carmina Burana,” and “Spartacus.” These performances will include contributions from local and international artists, highlighting the enduring legacy of Aspendos as a center of artistic and cultural expression.
In southern Turkey, archaeologists discovered two significant historical finds at the ancient city of Aspendos. One find was a 1,800-year-old marble sculpture depicting the Roman-era healing god Asklepios and his son Telesphoros, while the other was a tomb believed to have belonged to a wrestler. These discoveries were made within days of each other. The site is located in Antalya, a Mediterranean resort city known for its rich archaeological heritage.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on archaeological findings in Turkey, which is a politically sensitive subject due to the country's complex history and cultural narratives. However, the framing of the article remains neutral, focusing solely on the discovery without overt ideological slant. The tone and content
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the discovery of both the Asklepios statue and the wrestler's tomb in Aspendos, citing the Culture and Tourism Ministry. It provides specific details such as the approximate ages of the artifacts and their locations. The only minor deduction comes from not specifying t
Why objectivity (90): The article presents the findings in a neutral manner, using straightforward language without apparent bias. It cites the official ministry announcement and avoids speculative or emotive language. However, it does not provide contrasting perspectives or alternative interpretations, which would enhan
In the ancient city of Aspendos, located in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya in southern Turkey, archaeologists have made two significant discoveries. The first was a 1,800-year-old marble sculpture depicting the Roman-era healing god Asklepios and his son Telesphoros. Days later, they uncovered a roughly 2,400-year-old tomb believed to belong to a wrestler. These findings were announced by the Culture and Tourism Ministry.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on archaeological discoveries related to historical artifacts and does not present any political opinions, biases, or controversial issues. It focuses purely on cultural and historical findings without any framing that suggests a particular ideological stance.
Why factuality (95): This article accurately reports the dual discoveries of the Asklepios statue and the wrestler's tomb, citing the Culture and Tourism Ministry. It provides specific details about the age and location of the artifacts. The only minor deduction comes from not specifying the exact date of the discoverie
Why objectivity (90): The article presents the findings in a neutral manner, using straightforward language without apparent bias. It cites the official ministry announcement and avoids speculative or emotive language. However, it does not provide contrasting perspectives or alternative interpretations, which would enhan
In the ancient city of Aspendos, located in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya in southern Turkey, archaeologists have made two significant discoveries. The first was a 1,800-year-old marble sculpture depicting the Roman-era healing god Asklepios and his son Telesphoros. Days later, they uncovered a roughly 2,400-year-old tomb believed to belong to a wrestler. These findings were announced by the Culture and Tourism Ministry.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on archaeological discoveries related to historical artifacts and does not present any political opinions, biases, or controversial issues. It focuses purely on cultural and historical findings without any framing that suggests a particular ideological stance.
Why factuality (80): The article reports on the discovery of a 2,400-year-old wrestler's tomb and a 1,800-year-old Asklepios statue in Aspendos. These findings are presented as recent discoveries by archaeologists, consistent with similar reports from reputable sources. The information is concise and supported by offici
Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone, simply reporting the findings without expressing personal opinions or biases. It presents both discoveries in a balanced manner without emphasizing any particular narrative.
Archaeologists in Aydın, Turkey, have uncovered a 1,600-year-old bathhouse at the ancient city of Nysa, believed to have been used by people washing and cleansing themselves before entering the city. The excavation is led by Professor Serdar Hakan Öztaner of Ankara University, supported by the Culture and Tourism Ministry. Nysa, known as the 'city with two sides' due to its location across a valley, is rich in historical structures including a well-preserved library, a large theater, and a stadium. Current efforts focus on mapping the full extent of the bathhouse, particularly its southern and western sections, and understanding its role within the city's layout. The site is part of the 'Heritage for the Future' project, with plans to conserve the structure and integrate it into the city's archaeological plan.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on an archaeological discovery with no direct political implications. It provides factual information about the excavation process, the historical significance of the site, and the involvement of academic and governmental institutions. There is no evident ideological framing or o
Why factuality (75): The article provides details about the excavation of a 1,600-year-old bathhouse in Nysa, mentioning the involvement of Professor Serdar Hakan Öztaner and the 'Heritage for the Future' project. It aligns with typical archaeological reporting and does not contradict other sources. However, specific de
Why objectivity (85): The tone remains neutral, presenting facts about the discovery and excavation process without overt bias. The article avoids emotionally charged language and focuses on the academic and historical significance of the find.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
TR
