1,600-Year-Old Luxury Roman Villa Discovered in Tripolis: Guests Were Served Fish Raised in the Courtyard Pool

In the ancient city of Tripolis, located in Denizli’s Buldan district in western Türkiye, ongoing excavations have revealed a striking new find—a large and luxurious Roman-era villa spanning 1,500 square meters. With four rooms, two grand halls, a columned gallery, and a specially designed fish pool, this structure is believed to have hosted the elite of its time.

Architectural Grandeur Meets Functionality

Led by Prof. Dr. Bahadır Duman from Pamukkale University, the excavation team uncovered vibrant interior frescoes covering the villa’s walls, painted in vivid tones of yellow, blue, red, and brown. Architectural elements such as columns, water cisterns, ornamental fountains, and the pool reflect the wealth and aesthetic tastes of its former inhabitants.

Not Just Decoration: Fish Pool Was Central to Hospitality

The 40-square-meter rectangular fish pool located at the villa’s entrance is a standout feature. Built with terracotta water pipes embedded in its walls—some open, some closed—the pool was designed to raise fish like carp, catfish, and eels. These fish were then served to important guests as part of elaborate banquets, showcasing both opulence and culinary sophistication.

According to Prof. Dr. Duman, the discovery of numerous seashells and fish motifs in marble tiles supports the idea that the pool was not just decorative but played a central role in hospitality rituals of the Roman elite.

Tripolis Continues to Shed Light on Roman Life in Anatolia

Tripolis is recognized as one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Western Anatolia. Past discoveries include a 12-room mosaic-floored villa, a 1,500-year-old church, a Roman-era marketplace, olive oil and stone workshops, ancient board games, and monumental fountains.

This newly uncovered villa adds to our understanding of Roman life in inland Anatolia—especially with its rare and sophisticated approach to aquaculture.

Cover Image Credit: Sebahatdin Zeyrek/AA