Ancient Theatre discovered
One of my regrets of our first trip to Gümüşlük, is that we didn’t take the opportunity to walk upon the sunken ancient city walls of Myndos to reach Rabbit Island, and then hike to the top of the hill to look back at Gümüşlük Bay and Harbour for a well positioned photo opportunity.
But between our first and second visit, access to Rabbit Island became restricted, and you could no longer officially explore the Island.
You can still walk on the sunken walkway from the mainland to the edge of Rabbit Island, but once your reach the island, there isn’t much to do, except turn around and walk back to the mainland. This image, below, shows the area vistors still have access to.
This restriction is for a good cause though. Rabbit Island is currently being excavated, and archeologists from the Uludağ Üniversity (which is situated the other side of Gümüşlük Harbour) have made some memorable discoveries.
They discovered a huge ancient theatre that was constructed in the Hellenistic period, around 400 BC; a sacred burial area of a 5th century church and three naves; as well as a 13th century tower. Exvacations are expected to continue through to 2013-14.
I’m going to be monitoring the progress, and I look forward to a future trip to Gümüşlük when this historical site is open to the public, and I can explore the heights and ancient past of Rabbit Island.
Excavations being are carried by a team of 30 people from various universities headed by Professor Mustafa Şahin from Bursa Uludağ University.
© Archeological Dig Photo World Bulletin
Article updated with more info and photo’s on June 5th 2012
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well we were rather naughty and snuck onto the island, but just peeked at what they were doing. Lots of holes showing deep walls, but not much else at the moment. I kind of hanker for the old days when you could stumble across ancient mosaic floors and stones propped up against the rocks on the edge of the sea, but I suppose some folk would steal stuff, so it’s right to keep it safe. Such a beautiful place.
http://www.theoldstonehouseturkey.com
The excavations on Rabbit Island have uncovered an early Christian church complex complete with burials; some of the skulls appear to have had nails driven into them which has resulted in the archaeologists suggesting that they may be the remains of Christian martyrs. They have also discovered the remains of an early classical temple which may date back to the 3rd century BC.
The proposed site of the theatre is on the mainland in the area of the excavations in 2005 /2006. The site of the possible theatre was discovered during a geophysical survey by Hamburg University.
The suggested size is intriguing as it is claimed that it could be as big, or even bigger, than the theatre at Ephesus (which is larger than the one at Halicarnassus/Bodrum). Which raises the question, why would Mausolus have built a larger theatre at Myndos than the one he built in his capital city?
Dave – thanks for the update.. it will be interesting to keep up with their discoveries as they continue to unravel the historical mysteries….. let me know if you find out more info…
Roving Jay recently posted..Watercolours of Bodrum by Faruk Köksal
The article in the attached includes a map showing the proposed location of the theatre
https://www.fbkultur.uni-hamburg.de/ka/forschung/myndos.html