Uncovering the Secrets of a Historic City
The ruins of the ancient city of Teos, located along Turkey’s western coast, continue to reveal remarkable insights into its past. Once a thriving cultural and political hub, Teos was known for its deep connections to art, philosophy, and democracy. Now, archaeologists from the University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Teos Archaeological Project at Ankara University, have uncovered new details about one of its most important structures—the bouleuterion, or city council hall.
A Well-Preserved Civic Landmark
The bouleuterion, a crucial gathering place for Teos’ democratic decision-making, bears a striking resemblance to a Greek theater. Rows of stone bench seating slope down toward a central platform, a design that suggests the building could accommodate several hundred people. Over the centuries, it underwent multiple renovations, reflecting Teos’ evolving civic and cultural landscape.
“This is the best-preserved building in the city,” says Mantha Zarmakoupi, a classical archaeologist and architectural historian leading the research. “It also holds the key to understanding Teos’ early history.”
Fascinating Discoveries: Cupids, Inscriptions, and Erased Histories
One of the most striking finds is a pair of ancient mosaics dating back to the third century BCE. These elaborate floor designs adorned two separate rooms, one featuring a depiction of two winged cupids—figures commonly linked to Eros, the Greek god of love. In Greek mythology, Eros is closely associated with Dionysus, the god of wine and patron deity of Teos. A grand temple dedicated to Dionysus, designed by the Hellenistic architect Hermogenes, still stands in the city.
Equally intriguing is a series of architrave blocks—large, decorative stone slabs that once sat atop the building’s columns. Inscribed with monumental lettering nearly a foot high, the text was later deliberately erased. Using 3D modeling, researchers managed to reconstruct part of the inscription, which appears to be a dedication honoring the individuals who financed the bouleuterion’s construction.
“The fact that the inscription was later erased hints at a dramatic shift in the city’s political or social landscape,” explains historian Peter Satterthwaite. “It suggests that, at some point, the city’s leadership no longer wished to acknowledge the person responsible for the project.”
A Building That Evolved with Time
The researchers determined that the bouleuterion was originally constructed in the late third century BCE, during the Hellenistic period. Later, as Teos came under Roman control, significant additions were made. A grand portico and a stage structure were built, transforming the bouleuterion into a venue for theatrical performances in addition to its civic functions.
“Each layer of this site tells a different chapter of its history,” says Zarmakoupi. “Every discovery peels back another layer, revealing more about how Teos developed over time.”
What’s Next for the Excavation?
Despite these remarkable findings, parts of the inscription remain missing. Further excavations will focus on recovering additional fragments to complete the text and deepen our understanding of the bouleuterion’s role in Teos’ political and cultural history.
With each new discovery, archaeologists are bringing Teos’ lost past back to life, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant heritage as a center of art, democracy, and architectural grandeur.
