Ankara Roman Theatre
excavation site
The theatre is located on the Northwest cliff of
the Ankara Castle. The theatre which is built as
a typical Roman theatre with half circle shaped
stage (orchestra) place and at least diazomas
is dated I and II century A.C. The orchestra of
the theatre which was believed to have been
subjected to double staged restoration during
the Byzantine Era, was transformed into a pool
which was used to stage water games during
this period. The statue works found during
the excavations revealed that the theatre had
a rich ornamentation. Among the findings
from the theatre were the marble statues,
statue heads, ceramic pieces belonging to
Roman and Byzantine periods, glazed green
and yellow plates, bowls and pots belonging to
late Byzantine and Islamic period and various
kinds of lamps and coins belonging to varioous
different periods.
Other Centers
The Bitik Tumulus located 42 kilometers North
of Ankara is among the historical sites of the
city. A classical era settlement founded in the
5th Century B.C. was unearthed. Old Bronze Era
remains found in the region proves the relation
of the region with the Eastern and Western
Anatolia. The Hittite Hill located 5 kilometers
North of Ankara, near the Çubuk River was
excavated in 1937 and ancient Stone Age tools
were found at the bottom layer. On the top of this
layer, Bronze Age culture showing similarity with
the Ahlatlıbel culture can be seen. Remains of a
palace belonging to the Roman-Byzantine period
were found at the top layer. Baths
The importance of KaralarVillage is coming
its being the scene of permanent settlement
during the Classical Era. Remains belonging to a
Galatina castle and works from Hellenistic period
were found in the Asarkaya site of the villlage.
Ancient coins unearthed during the excavations
reveals the trade relations between Egypt and
Syria. Stela found in one of the tumulus in the
region was constructed in the honor of Galationa
King Deotaros and his QueenBerenikis. It is located at the Northeast of the Gazi High
School. Based on its architectural structure and
construction technique, it is predicted that it
is a 15th century building. It has a rectangular
plan.
The KaraoğlanTumulus is 25 kilometers South
of the city. Cultural layes which can be listed
chronologically as Chalcolithic perio