An excavation in the heart of the ancient city of Savatra in central Türkiye unveiled a remarkable altar that promises to illuminate the long-forgotten aspects of life in this ancient metropolis, according to Anadolu Agency.
Excavation in the ancient theater of the city located in the Karatay district of Konya under the guidance of Ilker Isik, head of Selcuk University’s Cultural Heritage Preservation and Restoration Department, has come to an end.
Sharing his insight and details of the findings with Anadolu, Isik said his team started excavations in May and found an altar while removing the blocks that had fallen on the steps. “We were very excited and happy to see this altar intact.”
Isik added that the altar suffered minimal damage from falling blocks due to its protective cover.
Underlining that they came across an ancient Greek inscription on the altar translated by experts, he said: “It was determined that this altar was a donation to the theater by an organization or dynasty named ‘Aurelia,’ which was situated in the region. This revelation has afforded us a comprehensive understanding of the era’s theater and also provided information about the cultural and sociological structures of that period.”
Isik pointed out that the front of the altar featured a depiction of a soldier, with a flag on one side, and a victory wreath on the other, symbolizing a triumphant success.
“This was a Roman military garrison area. We estimate that the altar belongs to the 2nd or 3rd century as it matches both the fonts and the findings obtained from the theater,” he added.
Isik explained that the excavation in the ancient theater, spanning nearly three years, has reached the final stage.
“After the excavation work comes to an end, we plan to proceed with the restoration work. We can now clearly see the damaged parts. We estimate that the restoration will be easy due to the small number of seating steps in the theater.”
Unveiling Savatra’s Ancient Altar: A Window into Roman Anatolia
In May 2025, archaeologists excavating the ancient Roman theater at Savatra, located in central Turkey near modern-day Konya, uncovered a remarkable relic: an intact altar dating back nearly 1,800 years. Preserved beneath layers of rubble, this extraordinary find offers a vivid glimpse into the cultural, religious, and military life of a Roman settlement that thrived at the crossroads of Mediterranean influences. With Greek inscriptions linking it to the local Aurelian dynasty and evocative imagery of a soldier bearing a banner and victory wreath, the altar is more than a historical artifact—it’s a testament to Savatra’s role as a vibrant hub in the ancient world.
A Hidden Treasure Beneath the Rubble
Savatra, a lesser-known but significant Roman settlement in central Anatolia, was a bustling center during the height of the Roman Empire. Its theater, a focal point for civic gatherings and performances, had long been a target for archaeological exploration. However, the discovery of the altar in May 2025 marked a turning point in understanding the city’s past. Found remarkably well-preserved under the theater’s rubble, the altar’s survival is a stroke of archaeological fortune. The rubble protected it from centuries of environmental wear, leaving its intricate carvings and inscriptions intact for modern researchers to study.
The altar, dating to approximately 200 CE, stands as a rare example of Roman craftsmanship fused with local and Hellenistic influences. Its pristine condition allows archaeologists to analyze details that might otherwise have been lost, offering a clearer picture of Savatra’s cultural and historical significance.
Greek Inscriptions and the Aurelian Dynasty
One of the most striking features of the altar is its Greek inscriptions, which connect it to the Aurelians, a prominent local dynasty in Roman Anatolia. These inscriptions are not merely decorative—they provide critical insights into the political and social fabric of Savatra. The use of Greek, rather than Latin, points to the enduring influence of Hellenistic culture in the region, even under Roman rule. This suggests that Savatra was a melting pot where local traditions mingled with broader Mediterranean practices, likely facilitated by trade routes and cultural exchanges across the Hellenistic world.
The Aurelians, mentioned in the inscriptions, were likely a powerful family or ruling elite in the region, possibly serving as local governors or benefactors. Their presence on the altar indicates their role in shaping Savatra’s civic and religious life, perhaps as patrons of the theater or the rituals associated with the altar. These inscriptions are a treasure trove for historians, offering clues about the governance, alliances, and cultural identity of this Roman outpost.
Symbolism of Military and Religious Life
The altar’s imagery is equally compelling, depicting a soldier holding a banner and a victory wreath—symbols that resonate with Roman military pride and religious devotion. The soldier likely represents a figure of authority or a deity associated with victory, such as Mars or Nike, common in Roman iconography. The banner and wreath suggest celebrations of military triumphs, possibly linked to campaigns or victories that bolstered Savatra’s status as a strategic outpost in central Anatolia.
This imagery underscores the deep interplay between military identity and religious practice in Savatra. The altar, likely used in public rituals or ceremonies, would have served as a focal point for the community to honor both their gods and their soldiers. Such symbols reflect how Romans integrated their martial culture with sacred traditions, reinforcing social cohesion and civic pride. For the people of Savatra, this altar was a tangible link between their daily lives and the broader ideals of the Roman Empire.
Savatra: A Crossroads of Cultures
The discovery of the altar highlights Savatra’s unique position as a Roman settlement shaped by diverse influences. While firmly under Roman control, the city was not isolated from the Hellenistic world or the local traditions of Anatolia. The Greek inscriptions and the altar’s artistry suggest connections to the eastern Mediterranean, where Greek language and culture remained dominant even after Roman conquest. Savatra likely served as a conduit for ideas, goods, and people, making it a microcosm of the cultural exchanges that defined the Roman Empire.
As a military outpost, Savatra’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. Its location in central Anatolia placed it along key routes connecting the Roman Empire’s eastern provinces with its heartland. The altar’s military imagery reinforces this role, suggesting that the city was a base for Roman legions or auxiliary forces. Yet, its religious significance indicates that Savatra was more than a fortress—it was a community where people gathered to worship, celebrate, and affirm their place in the Roman world.
Preserving Savatra’s Legacy
The discovery of the altar is just the beginning. Archaeologists are now planning to restore both the altar and the surrounding theater, a project that promises to reveal more about Savatra’s urban layout and cultural practices. Restoration efforts will ensure that the altar’s intricate details—its inscriptions, carvings, and craftsmanship—are preserved for future generations. The theater, too, will be revitalized, offering a space where visitors can imagine the performances, rituals, and gatherings that once animated this ancient city.
This find deepens our understanding of Savatra’s political, social, and cultural landscape. It challenges the notion that central Anatolia was a peripheral region in the Roman Empire, instead positioning Savatra as a dynamic center of activity. The altar’s inscriptions and imagery provide a direct link to the people who lived, worshipped, and fought there nearly two millennia ago, making history feel tangible and alive.
A Living Chapter of Anatolia’s Past
The unearthing of Savatra’s altar is a reminder of the enduring power of archaeology to connect us with the past. Each detail—the Greek inscriptions, the soldier’s banner, the victory wreath—tells a story of a community shaped by Roman ambition, Hellenistic heritage, and local pride. As restoration work progresses, Savatra will continue to reveal its secrets, offering new insights into the complexities of life in Roman Anatolia.
For historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike, this discovery is a call to explore the rich tapestry of the ancient world. Savatra’s altar is not just an artifact; it’s a window into a time when empires clashed, cultures blended, and communities thrived. By preserving and studying this find, we ensure that future generations can engage with this living chapter of Anatolia’s ancient past, keeping the story of Savatra alive for centuries to come.
