1,800-year-old stadium unearthed in Syedra Ancient City, Antalya

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a stadium nearly 1,800 years old in the ancient city of Syedra, located in the Alanya district of Antalya province. yedra has a long history, dating back to the 9th century B.C., with traces of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Anatolian Seljuk civilizations.

he recent excavations, part of the Culture and Tourism Ministry’s “Heritage for the Future Project,” focused on the southern area of the city. Archaeologists, led by Ertuğ Ergürer, reported that the stadium is about 200 meters long and 16 meters wide, carved directly into the bedrock at an elevation of about 340 meters.

Inscriptions around the city mention sports such as wrestling and boxing, suggesting that the stadium was used for athletic contests, religious festivals, and imperial celebrations. It is estimated to have had seating for 2,000-3,000 spectators.

The northern section of the stadium is relatively well preserved, while the southern part has been damaged by later fortification walls. Excavation has also revealed seating rows, staircases, and finely crafted stone blocks. Some parts may have combined stone and wooden seating, like the theater in the city.