An ancient city dating back 2,000 years, which was under water for several decades, has resurfaced as a major archaeological find in present-day Türkiye. Referred to as Juliopolis, the site is a place that has been under the waters of the Sariyar Dam reservoir since the middle of the last century for nearly seven decades.
Modern excavations conducted from 2009 to 2025 have shown that Louliopolis was more than just a small settlement.Located about 123 km from the capital, Ankara, the ancient city initially existed in Roman times and later flourished throughout the Byzantine era.
Discoveries of ancient underwater cities reshape historical understanding
Evidence from the research “Anthropological Research at Giuliopolis: Preliminary Findings”, conducted by archaeologists at Karabük University and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, suggests that there may be reasons to reconsider some of the initial assumptions regarding the importance of this city.
It became clear that Juliapolis had organized religious structures, well-planned urban planning, and an economy based on production and trade.Among the items found in the area are ceramic vessels and storage vessels, as well as tools used by ancient people. One of these pieces is the African Red Ceramic, which shows this city’s relationship with distant regions via trade, especially Roman merchants active throughout the Mediterranean.
Archaeological evidence shows a strong economic and religious system
The first notable discovery is the discovery of a storeroom containing large clay vessels, which were used to store agricultural products such as grains, wine, and olive oil. Some of these vessels bear religious markings, indicating that there was interaction between economics and religion, perhaps through ecclesiastical institutions.These results came in the research “Juliopolis Anthropological Research: Preliminary Results,” published in the Journal of Ankara Studies.All these points point to the conclusion that Luliopolis served as an efficiently planned urban center rather than a marginal city.
The submergence of the dam preserved the ancient city for decades
The effects of the construction of the Sariar Dam, which led to flooding of the area, were indirectly responsible for helping to preserve the site, as exposure to the elements was reduced, as was contact with people who might interfere with the process of uncovering the past.While some areas of the city are still submerged, archaeological excavations can still be carried out in order to understand different aspects of what happened in the ancient city of Çiklik Höyük.
Why are underwater cities important to archaeology?
Archaeological discoveries at sunken sites such as Juliopolis represent rare opportunities for researchers. While archaeological sites on the surface are vulnerable to deterioration by the elements and humans, undersea sites are known to act as protective shells and preserve artefacts.Exploring these sites helps develop knowledge regarding ancient urban societies and their commercial and religious practices.
For example, research conducted at Juliapolis helped reveal that small towns played an important role in the economic and religious framework of both the Romans and the Byzantines.
What does this finding mean for future research?
The discovery of Juliopolis shows how modern construction efforts, such as dams, can help cover and protect archaeological sites as well. Future excavations at the site should shed more light on the physical and demographic layout and importance of the site in the ancient world.The development of archeology makes submerged cities more attractive as a source of information about the past. The discoveries made at the site have added to the growing knowledge regarding ancient urban life, especially in areas influenced by Roman and Byzantine cultures.
