2,400-Year-Old Shops to Be Unearthed in Hyllarima, One of Anatolia’s Best-Preserved Ancient Cities

Ongoing archaeological excavations in Hyllarima Ancient City, located in the Kavaklıdere district of Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, continue to shed light on the region’s rich past. Known as one of the rare ancient settlements in Anatolia that has remained remarkably well-preserved, Hyllarima is now revealing new secrets—2,400-year-old shop structures located in the heart of the ancient agora are set to be unearthed.

A City Between Two Hills: The Story of Hyllarima

Prof. Dr. Bekir Özer, head of the excavation team, describes Hyllarima as “one city, two hills.” Built in the 4th century BCE with a fully stone-based, well-planned urban layout, the city evolved through centuries as communities shifted between the two hills. This unique settlement model offers a rare look at urban life in ancient southwestern Anatolia.

Monumental Heritage: Marble Theaters, Gates, and More

Hyllarima boasts several impressive structures that have withstood the test of time. Among the standout features are a marble-built theater, a council building (bouleuterion), a monumental city gate, streets and fortification walls, a public fountain, and rock-cut chambers. These elements not only reflect the architectural sophistication of the time but also distinguish Hyllarima from neighboring ancient cities.

Agora: The Urban and Social Core

The ongoing excavations are centered around the agora, the city’s main public space and ancient commercial hub. According to Prof. Özer, the agora served as the primary point of entry for visitors in antiquity, surrounded by public buildings, marketplaces, and spaces for social gatherings. Of particular interest are the shops carved directly into the bedrock on the northern edge of the agora, which are believed to date back to the Hellenistic period and were heavily used during Roman times.

A City That Survived Earthquakes

Despite recent seismic activity in the region, most architectural elements in Hyllarima have remained intact, making the city a remarkable case of preservation. After the excavation of the agora’s shop structures is complete, restoration efforts will begin—allowing future visitors to walk through the ancient city just as travelers did over two millennia ago.

Cover Image Credit: Durmuş Genç/AA