Satala
Satala
Turkey · Gümüşhane
In brief
Satala, in Kelkit district, is one of the legionary bases on Rome's eastern frontier. Excavations at the site focus on the legionary fortress, military buildings and necropolis.
What was found?
- 1Walls of the Roman legionary fortress
Excavations uncovered the walls of the legionary fortress dated to the Roman period. The remains form the basis for studying the layout of Satala's military settlement.
- 2Eastern Roman and Byzantine military structures
The remains of numerous military structures dated to these periods were found in the city. They show the architectural traces of its defensive function in different periods.
- 3Terracotta and metal finds
Terracotta and metal artifacts were recovered during work in the legionary fortress and necropolis. These objects, accompanying the architectural remains, contribute to research into the settlement's material culture.
- 4Bronze female head
The bronze head from Satala is associated with Aphrodite in an academic publication. The work's identification and production date are based on researchers' interpretations; the sculpture is important for the city's artistic connections.
What does it point to?
Satala's fortress walls and military structures reveal the defensive arrangements on Rome's eastern frontier. The city's position at the intersection of major transport routes and finds such as the bronze sculpture indicate that the military centre should be assessed within its wider connections.
What did it teach us?
- Archaeologically documented the Roman legionary settlement through its fortress walls.
- Revealed that military structures from the Eastern Roman and Byzantine periods were present in the same area.
- Provided material evidence relating to military architecture and the cemetery area through the joint investigation of the fortress and necropolis.
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Latest news / selected archive
During the 2024 season, new architectural remains and terracotta and metal finds were uncovered in the legionary fortress and necropolis.
Record
- Culture
- Roman and Eastern Roman
- First modern dig
- 1874
- Team / historical
- Elif Yavuz Çakmur / Karadeniz Technical University
- Coordinates
- 40.0261°, 39.5947°
Sources
Nearby excavations
- Çayönü 201 km
- Arslantepe Mound 211 km
- Nemrut Dağ 239 km
- Perre 272 km
- Zerzevan Castle 280 km
- Göbekli Tepe 317 km
- —
- —
- 12.000
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