28 August 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

2nd-Century Statue Head Discovered at Fethiye Castle

Türkiye’s coastal town of Fethiye, which is famous for its natural beauties and historical sites, found an 1800-year-old statue head thought to belong to the god Apollo during excavations in Fethiye castle.

The castle was originally built during the time of the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos. Fethiye Castle was vital in protecting the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos. The fortress was an essential part of the city’s defensive infrastructure, ensuring the safety and security of its inhabitants.

This ancient city was the largest and most important in the Lycian region, making the castle a significant structure for the area. The Castle of Fethiye has witnessed several transitions in its history. During the Byzantine period, it underwent significant reconstruction, and later, it was taken over by the Knights of St. John.

Under the direction of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in cooperation with the Muğla Governorship, the district governorship, Fethiye Municipality, and Fethiye Museum, the excavation work at the castle, which is situated in the Kesikkapı neighborhood of the Fethiye district, is still ongoing. Three years ago, the excavation got underway.

During the excavation, which was conducted under the scientific responsibility of Professor Kadir Pektaş, a statue head believed to belong to Apollo was discovered in the castle wall.

Pektaş, who is also the scientific director of the Fethiye Castle excavation, informed Anadolu Agency (AA) that the excavation work is part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Legacy to the Future” project.

“During our work in the inner castle, in the area where the flagpole is located, a statue head, which we estimate to date back to the period around the A.D. second century, was found inside the wall. This is a very important piece for us. In addition, coins from the Turkish-Islamic period, the Ottoman period, and the Menteşe Beylik were also discovered,” he said.

Photo: AA

He mentioned that research is ongoing to determine to whom the statue head belongs, saying: “The statue head may belong to Apollo or another historical figure.”

In the interior of the fortress, cannonballs, items used in daily life and ceramic fragments were also unearthed.

Cover Image: AA

Related Articles

Hungarian Archaeology Student Discovers Rare Bronze Figurines at Roman-Era Brigetio Site

31 July 2025

31 July 2025

A remarkable archaeological discovery emerged this July at the ancient Roman site of Brigetio in Komárom, Hungary. First-year archaeology student...

East and West Meeting at the King’s Dinner Table

7 April 2021

7 April 2021

Researchers from Tezukayama University and the Uzbekistan Archaeological Institute reported that a food pantry about 37 feet long and 10...

Archaeologists uncovered a kurgan tomb from a previously unknown culture

8 January 2023

8 January 2023

Archaeologists from the Siberian Federal University have unearthed a kurgan tomb and numerous bronze tools and artifacts from a previously...

A 1,500-Year-Old Roman Settlement Discovered in Bulgaria

21 March 2025

21 March 2025

In a remarkable turn of events, a team of archaeologists conducting preliminary excavations ahead of a transit gas pipeline project...

An Elamite clay tablet has been discovered in Burnt City

6 January 2022

6 January 2022

An Elamite clay tablet was discovered within the Burnt City by a team of Iranian, Italian, and Serbian archeologists. Called...

Rare Sassanid-era Inscription on Loyalty and Justice Unearthed in Marvdasht, Southern Iran

11 June 2025

11 June 2025

A rare Sassanid-era inscription has been unearthed in the historic region of Marvdasht, located in Iran’s Fars province, revealing deep...

In Turkey’s Gedikkaya Cave, a stone figurine was discovered inside a 16,500-year-old votive pit

17 December 2022

17 December 2022

A stone figurine was discovered in a 16500-year-old votive pit belonging to the Epi-paleolithic period, the transition phase from the...

Drone photos reveal Venice of the Fertile Crescent

16 October 2022

16 October 2022

A drone survey of Lagash, a site located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, revealed that the 4,900-year-old settlement was...

Mass Grave of 150 Roman Legionaries Discovered in Vienna—First Direct Evidence of Ancient Combat on the Danube Limes

4 April 2025

4 April 2025

Archaeologists from the Vienna Museum have made a groundbreaking discovery on the outskirts of Vienna, unearthing the remains of approximately...

Archaeologists discover traces of ancient Jalula, the city that witnessed the famous battle of the same name 1386 years ago

23 November 2023

23 November 2023

The  Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) has announced the discovery of the boundaries and various structures of...

High school student discovered a 1500-year-old ancient Magical Mirror

9 August 2023

9 August 2023

 A High school student discovered an ancient “magical mirror” meant to ward off the evil eye in an archaeological excavation...

Archaeologists found a mysterious stone tablet in Georgia that contains an unknown language

5 December 2024

5 December 2024

Archaeologists have unearthed a basalt tablet with inscriptions in an unknown language near Lake Bashplemi, in the Dmanisi region of...

Gold jewelry from the time of Nefertiti found in Bronze Age tombs in Cyprus

1 December 2021

1 December 2021

Archaeologists from the University of Gothenburg have concluded an excavation of two tombs in the Bronze Age city of Hala...

The Life of the Maya Ambassador Found in El Palmar was not Easy

18 March 2021

18 March 2021

El Palmar is a small plaza compound in Mexico near the borders of Belize and Guatemala. Archaeologists Kenichiro Tsukamoto and...

Private lodges were uncovered in the colosseum of the ancient city of Pergamon

24 September 2021

24 September 2021

Private lodges built for the elite-class people to watch gladiator or wild animal fights shows have been unearthed in the...