Türkiye’s Third-Largest Odeon Unearthed in Ancient City of Sagalassos

Excavations in the ancient city of Sagalassos, located in Burdur’s Ağlasun district, are revealing a monumental odeon buried nearly four meters underground. Archaeologists report that once fully unearthed, the structure will become the third-largest odeon in Türkiye, after those at Ephesus and Kibyra.

A hub for music, politics, and civic life

Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, Sagalassos traces its origins back to 3000 BCE and flourished as one of the leading cities of Pisidia under Roman rule. The newly uncovered odeon was a multifunctional venue, hosting not only musical and theatrical performances but also civic assemblies. According to excavation team member Dr. Düzgün Tarkan, the building formed part of the city’s bustling core alongside the famous Hadrian’s Nymphaeum and its stone-paved square.

2,500-seat covered hall

With a capacity of around 2,500 spectators, the odeon’s covered design allowed performances and gatherings to continue even during rain and storms. The city also boasted a larger open-air theater seating 9,000–10,000 people. Based on these figures, archaeologists estimate that the ancient population of Sagalassos reached 35,000–40,000 inhabitants.

Byzantine modifications and restoration prospects

Dr. Tarkan noted that some of the seating rows were dismantled during the Byzantine era. However, surviving sections provide enough evidence for a rapid and accurate restoration.

Sagalassos as a festival city

In the 2nd century CE, Sagalassos became a regional center for the imperial cult, attracting thousands of visitors during festival periods. Recent excavations also uncovered a small statue, which will soon be presented to the public by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“Through our excavation and conservation efforts, the rich heritage of Sagalassos will be passed on both to the academic world and to future generations,” Dr. Tarkan emphasized.