Meltem Sevim Kayaoğlu 43621,ankara-introductory-book-englishpdf | Page 42

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 .
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 .
The KaraoğlanTumulus is 25 kilometers South of the city . Cultural layes which can be listed chronologically as Chalcolithic period , Bronze Age , Hittite , Phrygian , Hellenistic , Roman and Byzantine Periods were found .
In addition to these , two tumuluses were found at the Beştepeler region during the construction work of Atatürk ’ s final resting place and pottery and other tools belonging to the Phrygian civilization were excavated from these spots .
A circular single structure and terra-cotta works belongint to the Bronze Age were found at the Yumurtatepe Tumulus located on the left of the road leading to Çiftlik – Demetevler region .