Turkey, mosaics with crocodiles and flamingos discovered at Heraclea al Latmo

Important archaeological discoveries in Turkey: the University of Selçuk reports that mosaics with depictions of animals: crocodiles, dolphins, flamingos and eels have been found in the ancient city of Heraclea al Latmo, an ancient Greek city of Ionia on the slopes of Latmo (now Turkey, Mugla province, Milas district). The discovery came during an excavation directed by archaeologist Zeliha Gider Büyüközer, a professor in the Department of Archaeology at Selçuk University: the excavation involves Roman baths in the ancient city as part of the “Geleceğe Miras” (Heritage for the Future) project of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Büyüközer pointed out that especially in the mosaics found in the frigidarium of the baths, i.e., the part where cold baths were taken, depictions of crocodiles are found. “Six depictions of crocodiles facing each other were revealed. This mosaic has aroused a lot of interest: one would think that crocodiles might have lived in this geographical area. However, this area is not very suitable for crocodile life: the master who made the mosaic must have seen the crocodile and been able to depict it in all its details. Therefore, we think that the master who worked here may have been an itinerant master and may have previously worked in regions where crocodiles live.”

A well-preserved mosaic floor was also found in the calidarium, the hot bath area of the baths. “There are flamingos among the four dolphins positioned in the corners and, interestingly,” Büyüközer explained, “there are eels made of red stones in the mouths of the flamingos. The eel is a very important animal for this area, and flamingos are among the bird species that still live in these parts. In fact, the artist painted the animals he saw here.”

The Baths of Heraclea at Latmo are the best-preserved Roman-era structure at the archaeological site and are therefore very important for gaining information about the ancient city. During the excavation it was found that the structure of the building, meticulously constructed of stone, allowed these mosaics to survive and come down to us almost intact, even though, after the Roman era ended, the ancient baths were used for a variety of purposes. In recent times, before archaeological excavations began, the baths had also been used as a hayloft: the inhabitants, in fact, did not know that under the two meters of earth covering the mosaics was a treasure.

Turkey, mosaics with crocodiles and flamingos discovered at Heraclea al Latmo

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.