Excavations in Türkiye's Adıyaman reveal new Roman-era structures

Located within the borders of Adıyaman’s Örenli neighborhood, the ancient city of Perre is known as one of the five major cities of the Kingdom of Commagene.

Excavations carried out over a 2,500-square-meter area in the ancient city, which shows uninterrupted settlement traces from the Roman period onward, have uncovered numerous religious, commercial, and daily-life artifacts, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

The excavations, conducted under the leadership of the Adıyaman Museum Directorate and lasting about five months, involved a team of 20 people, including 4 expert archaeologists.

Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Yelken told AA that this year’s excavation season was productive.

He stated that excavations continued in the area known as the “Stairway of Eternity,” adding: “This year we focused on three different points. In the area we define as the ‘Sacred Zone,’ we opened nine new trenches. We extended the 600-meter excavation line to 800 meters this year.”

Yelken explained that another excavation point was the area surrounding the “Paradise Mosaic,” which contains remains of structures from the Roman era: “We opened 17 trenches in this area. Alongside mosaic-floored structures, many small finds were uncovered. Architectural blocks and detailed stone workmanship offer important clues about the city’s religious and social life.”

He emphasized that a new 2,500-square-meter archaeological area was uncovered during this season and continued:

“During this process, approximately 1,500 cubic meters of soil was removed. We identified architectural elements from the Roman period, tandoor remains, and traces of daily life. We also carried out minor repairs and supplementary excavations at the Roman fountain. The 2025 excavation season has seen significant progress, and preparations for 2026 have already begun. In Perre, each year we encounter new information about the past.”