Shepherd in Türkiye discovers Roman stele

While grazing his goats in a forested area in Kayacık Neighborhood, Türkiye, a shepherd noticed a stele (tombstone) and informed the Fethiye Museum Directorate.

A team sent to the area determined that the artifact was historical. Since it could not be moved due to its weight, it was buried to prevent damage, and a camera trap was placed for security, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

After preparations, the team returned to the area, walking about 45 minutes from the main road, and retrieved the artifact.

The tomb stele, estimated to weigh around 300 kilograms, was carefully wrapped before being moved. The stele, located on steep terrain, was carried by archaeologists and workers over a period of about 7 hours.

The artifact was brought to the Fethiye Museum Directorate and will be exhibited after procedures are completed.

“The front side features male and female figures”

Archaeologist Ahmet Meke, who took part in the operation, told Anadolu Agency that the artifact was found by a local engaged in livestock herding and examined in detail by experts after the report.

He said they believe the artifact dates to the Roman Period, between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD.

"The artifact is an example of altar-type tomb steles commonly seen in Anatolia. What makes this stele special are the reliefs on it, its iconographic depictions, and the inscription beneath it, which gives it epigraphic value. The front side features male and female figures, likely representing a family portrait. From the clothing and symbols, we can observe aspects of Roman family culture and the socio-cultural life of that era," Meke explained.

He added that the inscription contains information about the deceased.

Meke said there is a wreath and a depiction on the side of the artifact. "The wreath represents victory and honor. This indicates that the depicted person was likely an important figure in society. As seen in this example, public awareness is very important for the protection of cultural heritage," he said.

He urged citizens who find or identify cultural artifacts to report them to museum directorates or law enforcement so they can be protected.

Meke stated that they transported the artifact in about 7 hours following security measures.

"We carried it across steep and rocky terrain. After cleaning and conservation, it will be added to the inventory and displayed. We also proposed registering the area as a protected site and installed camera traps for security," he added.