Archaeologists have unearthed a brand new collection of masks reliefs for the duration of excavations withinside the historic metropolis of Castabala, Turkey.
During the Hellenistic period, the metropolis changed into called Hieropolis, meaning “sacred metropolis” – owing possibly to its distinguished sanctuary of the goddess Artemis Perasia. At this time the metropolis developed from a nearby stronghold into one of the maximum distinguished cultural and political centres of historic Cilicia.
Following the Roman annexation of the region, Rome set up Tarcondimotus because the ruler, who converted the metropolis into the capital of his patron kingdom. Under his dynasty, Castabala changed into reshaped to mirror the standard format of a Roman provincial metropolis, entire with the development of tremendous public buildings.
This blanketed colonnaded avenues, baths, metropolis walls, and a grand theatre able to seating hundreds of spectators – demonstrating Castabala`s position as a nearby hub for entertainment, civic activities, and cultural exchange.
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| Image Credit : Muzaffer Caglayaner - AA |
Recent excavations in partnership among the Osmaniye Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and Osmaniye Korkut Ata University (OKÜ), have unearthed a chain of masks reliefs, bringing the whole quantity of comparable discoveries to 36.
Among the 5 newly found masks, one stands out: a remedy depicting an aged philosopher or philosopher. Dr. Demir of the OKU Archaeology Department explains, indicates that the theatre might also additionally have served as a discussion board for debates, recitations, and literary activities, an critical supplement to its position withinside the acting arts.
Beyond the inventive significance, the discoveries offer precious architectural data. The association of the reliefs gives insights into how the theatre`s level constructing at the start appeared, elevating hopes that researchers might also additionally in the future be capable of reconstruct the shape according with its proper design.