In a meticulous investigation, archaeologists led by professor Bilal Söğüt are exploring the remnants of the Lagina Hekate Sanctuary within the Yatağan district of southwestern Muğla specializing in understanding the intensive destruction brought on by earthquakes that rocked the area throughout historical occasions, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported on Friday.
The excavation works on-site, as soon as thought-about to be the middle of pagan perception, which commenced over a century in the past beneath the pioneering steerage of Osman Hamdi Bey, have continued with out interruption with professor Söğüt and his crew carrying the torch ahead.
Söğüt, the top of the excavation groups on the sanctuary and the traditional metropolis of Stratonikeia, chatting with AA famous that Lagina was the most important spiritual hub within the area in historical occasions and in addition housed the most important temple constructed within the identify of the goddess Hecate.
Remarkably, this 12 months’s excavations have delivered to gentle remnants from the Hellenistic, Roman and Eastern Roman durations, unveiling the previous ceremonies held throughout the sacred grounds. Through the induction of 3D expertise, guests now have the distinctive alternative of witnessing the architectural evolution of this exceptional web site throughout varied historic eras.
Stating that the sanctuary and the encircling settlement had been affected by earthquakes within the historical interval, Söğüt mentioned, “We are aware that the earthquake in 139 A.D. in the Roman period severely damaged the region. Especially through the studies we carried out in Lagina this year, we have found traces indicating that a powerful earthquake, possibly exceeding a magnitude of 7.0, devastated the region 365 B.C.”
“We are documenting how the structure, which consists of huge blocks connected both horizontally and vertically, collapsed due to the magnitude of the earthquake,” he defined.
Pointing out that the buildings of the interval had been constructed so nicely that they may hardly be burned, Söğüt famous that in some areas, they discovered that the buildings had been utterly shifted to the east because of the impact of the earthquake.
In collaboration with the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBITAK) and the European Union, a complete venture involving geologists, archaeologists and designers is underway.
The collective effort seeks to conduct detailed research that can vividly painting the extent of earthquake harm and structural displacement within the area.
Once accomplished, the continuing restoration venture plans to create an exhibition area showcasing the traces of historical earthquakes skilled within the space.
“We want visitors to witness seismic events that have shaped the region throughout history when they visit the city,” mentioned Söğüt.
Söğüt mentioned that via the venture ready in coordination with the TÜBITAK and the EU, they plan on finishing up extra detailed research with a crew of geologists, archaeologists, and designers within the area.
Pointing out that the sanctuary has witnessed a surge in guests, significantly from EU nations and Russia due to the excavation and restoration works, Söğüt famous the area has become a well-liked vacation spot for cruise ship vacationers, attracting each giant tour teams and separate gatherings of two or three guests accompanied by guides.
“There is no chance to visit a sanctuary and a temple elsewhere. Therefore, there has been a great increase in the number of visitors lately,” he mentioned.
Söğüt additionally famous that the excavations would proceed uninterrupted till the top of the 12 months.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
