1 August 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Archaeologists Uncovered a Roman-Era Clay Theater Ticket in Ancient City of Prusias ad Hypium

Excavations at the ancient city of Prusias Ad Hypium in the Konuralp region of Düzce in northwestern Türkiye have uncovered a Roman-era clay theater ticket, a figurine depicting Aphrodite, and a Thyrsus figure.

The ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium, which is called the Ephesus of the western Black Sea, was known as “Hypios” and “Kieros” in earlier periods. It was captured by Prusias I of Bithynia, and the people of Bithynia named the city in honor of their king. The people of Bithynia bequeathed the kingdom to the Romans. The city was already rich in terms of architecture but flourished more under the Romans.

The ancient city of Prusias Ad Hypium, located in the northwestern province of düzce, is home to structures like an ancient theater, aqueducts, and a Roman bridge. Known as 40 Basamaklar by locals, the 100-meter-long and 74 -74-meter-wide ancient theater’s semicircle sitting field, steps decorated with lion claw figures, vaulted passages, and stage are still intact.

Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the city has survived numerous earthquakes over the centuries, and remarkably, the theater's structural integrity has remained intact. Photo: AA
Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the city has survived numerous earthquakes over the centuries, and remarkably, the theater’s structural integrity has remained intact. Photo: AA

Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the city has survived numerous earthquakes over the centuries, and remarkably, the theater’s structural integrity has remained intact.

The General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums has approved the excavations, which started five years ago, and the Düzce Municipality is providing support. Led by the Konuralp Museum Directorate, the work has been ongoing uninterrupted for 12 months each year.

Düzce Mayor Faruk Özlü, speaking at the site, emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s 2,300-year history. “We have taken a major step in passing this city’s legacy to the future,” he said.

Roman clay theatre ticket in the ancient city of Prusias Ad Hypium. Photo: AA
Roman clay theatre ticket in the ancient city of Prusias Ad Hypium. Photo: AA

Özlü noted that around 80% of the theater area has now been exposed, revealing historical artifacts that are significant both locally and nationally. “We’ve found these priceless artifacts in pristine condition,” he added.

The mayor added that the ancient theater, once restored, will become a cultural and arts center with a capacity for 10,000 people. The ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium has reached to open the site’s theater for tourism next year.

AA

Cover Image Credit: AA

Related Articles

A woman was buried in a canoe on her way to the ‘destination of souls’ 800 years ago

25 August 2022

25 August 2022

According to new research, Up to 800 years ago, mourners buried a young woman in a ceremonial canoe to represent...

World’s Oldest Architectural House Model from 12,000-Year-Old Çayönü Hill Now on Display in Türkiye

6 July 2025

6 July 2025

Unearthed at the 12,000-year-old Çayönü Hill, the world’s oldest architectural house model is now on display at the Diyarbakır Museum,...

Excavations at Coleshill may rewrite English Civil War history

5 February 2023

5 February 2023

Archaeologists excavating the site of Coleshill Manor in Warwickshire have revealed evidence of what could be one of the first...

The oldest evidence of human use of tobacco was discovered in Utah

11 October 2021

11 October 2021

According to recent research, burnt seeds discovered in the Utah desert suggest that humans used tobacco initially and that some...

Scientists Create a 3D Model of Lost Temple Relief from a 134-Year-Old Photo Using AI

13 November 2024

13 November 2024

The researchers developed a neural network that can take a single 2D photo of a three-dimensional object and produce a...

7500-year-old idol of Goddess Asherah located in Israel

22 May 2022

22 May 2022

Archaeologists excavating an ancient cemetery in Israel have discovered an idol they believe belongs to the goddess Ashera at a...

The New Study Says the Iranian Plateau in the Pleistocene is a Bridge Between East and West

19 May 2021

19 May 2021

Iranian researchers say the Iranian plateau served as a migration route between East and West during the Pleistocene period, which...

USF team discovers 2,000-year-old Roman house during excavation in Malta

8 August 2023

8 August 2023

A team of researchers and students unearthed a 2,000-year-old Roman house in Malta, complete with a waste disposal system and...

Rare bronze hand discovered in Roman Vindolanda, England

11 July 2023

11 July 2023

One of Europe’s most important Roman archeological sites is the Fort of Vindolanda, one of the earliest Roman garrisons built...

Divers Discover 2,500-Year-Old Shipwreck and anchors Off the Coast of Sicily

23 January 2025

23 January 2025

A shipwreck dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries BC was discovered in the waters of Santa Maria del...

3,000-Year-Old leather Shoe discovered On A Beach In Kent, UK

26 February 2023

26 February 2023

A Bronze Age relic found on a Kent beach is believed to be the oldest shoe ever found in the...

Saudi Arabia’s “Gates of Hell” and Mysterious Structures

30 March 2024

30 March 2024

The region of Saudi Arabia, where the mysterious neolithic structures called the “Gates of Hell” are located, has around 400...

Seven Roman altars multicolored in the Great Northern Museum

12 November 2021

12 November 2021

We know that the ancient world is now very colorful. But these colors weren’t just limited to robes and other...

Excavation in Larissa finds a Hellenistic era sanctuary

27 November 2021

27 November 2021

The Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sport reported on Friday the discovery of ancient Greek and Hellenistic era structures at...

In France, a burial with six ankle bracelets was uncovered

22 December 2022

22 December 2022

An individual bedecked in copper jewelry was discovered during the excavation of a protohistoric necropolis in Aubagne, southeastern France. The...