Underwater Soli Pompeiopolis Ancient Site To Be Brought To Light

– Archaeological fortune of a historical heritage dating back to ancient age, the Soli Pompeiopolis site in Turkey's southeastern Mersin province, will be researched under water as well, along with ongoing excavation works.

Located in Mezitli district, the 3,000-year-old ancient site's excavation works have been carried out over ground since 1999. However, upon the instruction of Mayor of Mezitli CHP'S Neşet Tarhan, Selçuk University Underwater Archeology research vessel will be working in cooperation with the UNESCO to integrate Soli Pompeiopolis site to its work field next summer, in attempt to extract more artefacts.

The site is acknowledged as one of the key ports of the Roman era, dating back to second century B.C., with its 200 pillars between its two doors towards the north and south. Head of the works Professor Remzi Yağcı told the ancient site's story, saying the site had been submerged into the Mediterranean waters after an earthquake in 525 A.D. According to Yağçı, Soli had hosted many lagans since its construction.

Researchers presume that Soli port had been founded by Rhodes pirates who had crossed into Anatolia through Cyprus in 700 B.C. Soli had been later seized by the Roman Empire in 78 B.C., and has been named Soli Pompeiopolis after the Commander Pompei.

(Photo) - Mersin