Turkish shepherd accidentally discovered an ancient Roman stele: how archaeologists rescued it.

According to ТСН: In Turkey, a shepherd accidentally stumbled upon an ancient Roman tombstone. Archaeologists decided to temporarily rebury it to protect the stele from possible looting.

The find was discovered on a remote mountain near the city of Kayacik. Archaeologists from the Fethiye Museum spent nearly seven hours carefully relocating the tombstone to avoid damaging the fragile stone.

Research and Description of the Find

Experts note that the stele dates back to the 1st–3rd centuries AD, during which period tombstones in the shape of altars were popular in Roman Anatolia. Archaeologist Ahmet Mecke, who participated in the excavations, noted:

“This specimen stands out due to its exquisite relief carving and clear inscription, giving it exceptional epigraphic value.”

The front of the stele depicts a man and a woman, presumably in the form of a family portrait in memory of the deceased. Their clothing and hairstyles provide a unique insight into daily life during the Roman period in the region. The inscription below the figures contains additional information about the buried individual.

On one of the side panels, a carved wreath can be seen, indicating that the buried individual held a respected place in the local community.

Currently, specialists are working on the find, cleaning and conserving it before it is officially included in the museum's collection.

This find highlights the richness of Turkey's cultural heritage, which still holds many mysteries of ancient civilizations. Timely conservation and research into such objects will help preserve history for future generations and provide a deeper understanding of life during those times.