Archaeologists from Kütahya Dumlupınar University have made a remarkable discovery at the ancient site of Aizanoi, located in present-day Çavdarhisar, Turkey. During their recent excavations, they uncovered the stone-carved heads of several Greek gods, shedding new light on the religious and artistic heritage of this once-thriving city.
Aizanoi, an ancient city founded as a Phrygian settlement, played a significant role in the history of the region. Positioned at the western edge of the Phrygian kingdom, it experienced a dynamic past, shifting between different political powers. During the Hellenistic period, the city oscillated between the influence of the Pergamon and Bithynia Kingdoms before ultimately falling under Roman rule in 133 BC. Under the Roman Empire, Aizanoi flourished, becoming a key political and economic hub within the province of Phrygia Pacatiana. Its grandeur is reflected in its impressive architectural structures, dating from the early Imperial era through the 3rd century AD. These monumental buildings, including temples, theaters, and bridges, showcase the city’s importance and prosperity during Roman rule.
However, like many ancient cities, Aizanoi eventually declined. By the 7th century AD, its prominence had waned. Over time, some of its grand structures on the temple hill were repurposed. During the Seljuk period, between AD 1040 and 1157, the Çavdar Tatars transformed parts of these ruins into a fortress, which later influenced the name of the modern settlement of Çavdarhisar.
In their recent excavations, the archaeologists focused their efforts near the remnants of Roman bridges spanning the Penkalas stream, a tributary of the Rindakos River. This area has yielded significant finds in previous years, and the latest discoveries have proven to be just as extraordinary.
Among the uncovered artifacts are intricately carved stone heads depicting several deities from Greek mythology. These include Eros, the god of love and desire; Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, theater, and revelry; and Heracles, the demigod known for his strength and heroic exploits as the son of Zeus and Alcmene. The presence of these sculptures attests to the enduring cultural influence of Greek and Roman mythology in the city’s artistic and religious life. Alongside these deities, the archaeologists also identified additional gods from the Greek pantheon, though further analysis is needed to confirm their identities.
One of the most striking discoveries from the excavation is a nearly intact statue. Standing over two meters in height, the statue is missing only half of its pedestal and one foot. The male figure it portrays remains a mystery, as researchers have yet to determine whether it represents a prominent historical figure from Aizanoi, a legendary hero, or a divine entity. This discovery fuels speculation about the artistic traditions of the city and the identities of those venerated by its ancient inhabitants.
This is not the first time archaeologists have uncovered such remarkable finds at this site. In 2021, excavations in the same area revealed additional stone heads, including that of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and another depiction of Dionysus. A year earlier, in 2020, researchers discovered a headless statue of Heracles. However, the latest Heracles head does not match the previously found statue, suggesting the existence of yet another missing sculpture still waiting to be unearthed.
Speaking about the significance of these discoveries, Prof. Dr. Gökhan Coşkun from Kütahya Dumlupınar University emphasized the historical value of the site. He noted that during the 2022 excavation season, in addition to the recovered sculpture fragments, researchers also unearthed architectural elements belonging to a Roman bridge. These findings contribute to the ongoing effort to reconstruct and better understand the infrastructure of Aizanoi. Among the discoveries was a well-preserved sundial, along with numerous pieces of marble sculpture, hinting at the city’s once-flourishing public spaces and artistic achievements.
Aizanoi’s historical significance cannot be understated. As an ancient metropolis, it was home to a population that thrived under both Greek and Roman rule. Its monumental structures, such as the Temple of Zeus—one of the best-preserved Zeus temples in Anatolia—speak to its former grandeur. The city’s Roman theater and stadium, designed in a unique adjacent layout, further highlight its architectural sophistication. The latest findings reinforce Aizanoi’s role as an artistic and religious center, where sculpture and mythology played a vital part in the everyday lives of its inhabitants.
The city’s location along key trade routes also contributed to its wealth and status within the empire. Archaeological evidence suggests that Aizanoi had access to vast agricultural resources, including grain production and viticulture. The presence of Dionysus-related sculptures further supports the idea that wine culture was integral to the city’s economy and religious practices. The discovery of Eros, a deity often associated with themes of passion and beauty, suggests that aspects of love and pleasure were also significant to the cultural identity of the city’s residents.
Beyond its religious and economic importance, Aizanoi was also an administrative center. Inscriptions and historical records indicate that the city had a well-organized civic structure, including a council and magistrates overseeing governance. The presence of monumental bridges, such as those currently being excavated, further attests to the city’s engineering capabilities and the infrastructure that supported daily life and commerce.
While much of Aizanoi’s ancient splendor has been lost to time, these archaeological discoveries offer a glimpse into its past. The remarkable preservation of the stone heads and statues suggests that more treasures may still lie beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. Each excavation season brings new insights, helping scholars piece together the history of this once-thriving city.
Looking ahead, archaeologists plan to continue their work in and around the site, hoping to find more missing statues and architectural elements. The recent discoveries demonstrate that Aizanoi remains a treasure trove of ancient art and culture, offering invaluable contributions to our understanding of the Greco-Roman world. By preserving and studying these relics, researchers are not only reconstructing history but also ensuring that the legacy of Aizanoi is shared with future generations.
With each unearthed artifact, the story of Aizanoi becomes richer, reinforcing its place as a significant archaeological site. As scholars delve deeper into its ruins, there is no telling what further wonders they might uncover in this city that once stood as a beacon of ancient civilization.
