Ancient Gladiator's Sarcophagus in Turkey Reveals Surprising Burial Discovery!
Archaeologists in Turkey have made a fascinating discovery—an 1,800-year-old sarcophagus, originally believed to belong to a Roman gladiator named Euphrates, but instead revealing the remains of 12 different individuals. The sarcophagus, unearthed in İzmir Province, Turkey, offers a remarkable insight into how ancient tombs were sometimes repurposed centuries after their initial use.
The discovery was made within the ruins of a basilica atop Ayasuluk Hill, once part of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. The excavation was led by Sinan Mimaroglu, an associate professor of art history at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University. According to Mimaroglu, “From the inscription on the tomb, we know that it was initially used for gladiators. The sarcophagus was built in the 3rd century CE.”
Interestingly, while the tomb was constructed in the 3rd century CE, the remains inside date back to the 5th century CE, roughly 200 years later. The bones belonged to a mix of men and women, suggesting that the sarcophagus was repurposed for individuals of high social standing. Mimaroglu explained that it was unlikely for ordinary people to be buried with such care within a church, leading to the belief that these later burials likely belonged to members of the clergy or the upper class.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey
Adding to the sarcophagus’s significance are the Christian crosses carved into its stone. These engravings were added during different time periods, with three crosses from the 5th century and others inscribed on the lid in the 8th century. The team is now comparing these symbols to similar engravings found in the region to understand their religious and historical context further.
The sarcophagus was found just 20 centimetres (about 8 inches) below the basilica, a site rich with history. The basilica itself began as a church dedicated to St. John, later evolving into a domed structure during the reign of Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I, between 527 and 565 CE. This transformation only added to the historical and religious importance of the site, which had already become a significant burial ground.
The find reinforces the idea that the basilica served as a resting place for those of high status. The meticulous care given to the graves reflects the prominence of those buried within the church.
While little is known about the gladiator Euphrates beyond his name, the discovery of his tomb being reused centuries later adds to the rich history of Ayasuluk Hill. This site has seen many layers of human activity, spanning millennia before the founding of Ephesus itself.
In addition to the bones, the archaeologists also uncovered other artefacts, including mosaics and an ancient drainage system, further deepening our understanding of the area's extensive history. This recent find adds yet another fascinating chapter to this important archaeological site.