Ongoing Excavations Unearthed at Prusias ad Hypium
Ancient City of Prusias ad Hypium Reveals Hidden Treasures and Rich History
The ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium, located in the region, is home to remarkable structures such as an ancient theater, city walls, aqueducts, and the Roman Bridge. These structures have withstood the test of time and remain intact, showcasing the underground richness that lies beneath.
Visitors to the ancient city can explore its preserved structures, which include the ancient theater, aqueducts, and the Roman Bridge. These architectural marvels feature steps and arched passages adorned with intricate lion claw figures and 2,000-year-old medusa and mask statues. Notable discoveries also include the grotex figure, vault Apollo, the goddess of victory, and relief statues of Akteon.
The Düzce Municipality and Düzce Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate have made the ancient city accessible to the public free of charge. To get a bird’s-eye view of the site, a drone was used to capture its beauty from above.
Koray Erdogan, an expert archaeologist from the Düzce Municipality Directorate of Cultural Affairs and a member of the excavation team, emphasized that the ancient city played a significant role in the Bithynia Kingdom during ancient times. Stretching from Bolu to Istanbul Kadıköy (Chalcedon), Prusias ad Hypium was an important city in the region.
Erdogan pointed out that the ancient city dates back to the 5th century BC, making it at least 2,500 years old. He further stated that Prusias ad Hypium held great importance as a city that witnessed substantial investments in agriculture and forestry during the Roman period. It served as a pivotal location between Istanbul and Ankara.
Excavations carried out in the theater section, designed to accommodate approximately 12,000 people, are uncovering the historical, cultural, and economic richness of the city during that era. Notably, Prusias ad Hypium is the only public structure discovered in Black Sea archaeology, making it a unique find. The fact that a theater with a capacity of 12,000 was constructed in the city suggests that at least 60,000 people inhabited the area.
Erdogan expressed that the ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium holds immense potential as a prominent tourist destination. The goal of the ongoing excavations is to contribute to the history and culture of Anatolia and subsequently to the cultural history of Turkey and the world.
In conclusion, the ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural heritage of the region. With ongoing excavations and discoveries, it promises to offer visitors a unique insight into the past, showcasing the historical, cultural, and economic treasures that this ancient city holds.
