The ancient Carian settlement of Knidos, nestled within the Datça district of Muğla province in western Turkey, has recently yielded a treasure trove of archaeological marvels. Among the ancient ruins of this once-thriving city, renowned for its advancements in science, architecture, and art, excavators unearthed a collection of Hellenic and Roman sculpture heads, casting a spotlight on Knidos’s rich cultural heritage.
Knidos boasts a storied history, having been home to illustrious figures such as the astronomer and mathematician Eudoksus, the physician Euryphon, the renowned painter Polygnotos, and the architect Sostratos, credited with the Alexandria Lighthouse. Its reputation as an intellectual and artistic hub during antiquity is echoed in the words of the ancient Greek historian Strabo of Amasya, who likened Knidos to “a theater rising towards the Acropolis.”
The ongoing excavations in Knidos, supported by various institutions including the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, Selçuk University, the Turkish Historical Society, the Governorship of Muğla, and the South Aegean Development Agency, have led to remarkable discoveries under the leadership of Knidos Ancient City Excavations Head Prof. Dr. Ertekin Doksanaltı.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Prof. Dr. Doksanaltı highlighted the significance of the recent finds, describing them as “one of the greatest discoveries made in recent years” within Knidos. Among the discoveries are five heads of statues dating back as far as 2,400 years, spanning the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Noteworthy among these is a head depicting the goddess Tyhke, revered as the protector of cities in ancient times, alongside colossal marble heads serving as portraits.
The Corinth Monument, a focal point of the excavations, has yielded these remarkable sculptures, igniting excitement among archaeologists and historians alike. Prof. Dr. Doksanaltı underscored the importance of ongoing excavations and landscaping efforts in the Umayyad Inscriptions Area, where new inscriptions dating to the late 7th century AD shed light on Islamic conquests in Western Anatolia and the region’s historical trajectory.