Ongoing excavations in southwestern Turkey have revealed details of earthquakes from an ancient period.
Excavations and restoration efforts that began in 2012 in the ancient city of Tripolis in the Buldan district of Denizli province have revealed skeletal remains as well as the effects of earthquakes on the structures at the site.
In examinations of the ruins of the ancient city, which was home to many civilizations, the skeletal remains would belong to those who may have died from earthquakes at the time.
The most striking fact from these works is that the buildings of the ancient city, whose history dates back to 5,500 BC, have been repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes and repaired, said Bahadir Duman, chief of excavation team and senior lecturer in the archeology department of Pamukkale University.
Speaking to the Anadolu agency, Duman also noted that life in the area of ​​the site continued despite the earthquakes.
“During the excavations, we determined that in the rooms of some houses, animals and people were left under the rubble during the earthquake,” he added.
In addition, Duman said the inscriptions and ruins indicate that the city was exposed to several major earthquakes.
“From the inscriptions and the ruins, we believe the city was exposed to four major earthquakes. An inscription dating from the 4th century AD indicates that large public buildings were damaged in the earthquake that took place in the city, â€he added.
Duman also said that at least 11 people have died from these earthquakes, including children and young adults.
* Written by Merve Aydogan
