2,400-year-old tomb discovered in Aspendos

In archaeological excavations carried out in the ancient city of Aspendos, an important tomb dating back approximately 2,400 years has been uncovered. During work in the Eastern Necropolis, the existence of which was newly identified in the city, a cist-type tomb constructed with cut stone slabs was detected.

The silver coins found inside the tomb were among the most remarkable pieces of the discovery. Dating between the last quarter of the 5th century B.C. and the 4th century B.C., the coins feature depictions showing wrestlers in various combat positions.

According to initial examinations, more than 10 different positions are depicted on the coins, in which athletes grasp each other by the neck, arm, leg, and waist areas. Experts are continuing their work to determine whether these pieces were special-purpose tokens or payment instruments used in general circulation at the time.

Remarkable findings were also reached in anthropological analyses conducted on the skeletal remains recovered from the tomb. Traces of repetitive physical trauma, such as healed nasal fractures and joint deformations, have strengthened the possibility that the person buried in the tomb may have been involved in sports in the ancient period.

When the wrestling depictions on the coins and the findings on the bones are evaluated together, it is suggested that the tomb may belong to a professional athlete or wrestler who lived in Aspendos.

Officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and archaeologists point out that there is limited information about Classical Period Aspendos, stating that the discovery provides important data regarding the city's social structure, burial traditions, and sports history.