The ancient city of Sebastopolis, located in Sulusaray, Tokat, where gladiators once fought, is set to be fully uncovered through ongoing excavation efforts.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akın Temür, Head of Excavations and Faculty Member at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Archaeology, emphasized that uncovering the entire ancient city requires a long-term excavation. He stated that Sebastopolis could be unearthed and introduced to the scientific community with sufficient financial support.
Dr. Temür noted that the first studies on Sebastopolis date back to the 1980s, initiated by Birsel Özcan, former Director of Tokat Museum. After a 20-year hiatus, excavations resumed in 2010 by a French team, followed by further research conducted between 2013 and 2018 by Şengül Dilek Ful. Excavations restarted in 2021 under the leadership of Tokat Museum, and in 2023, the project was elevated to a Presidential Decree excavation, with Dr. Temür assuming leadership. He reiterated that sufficient funding is crucial for the full excavation and preservation of the site.
Currently, excavations are focused on two structures within the city:
• A Roman Bath
• A Byzantine Church
Dr. Temür explained that these areas have been the primary focus of previous excavation teams, and work continues in the same locations. However, Sebastopolis was home to various monumental structures, as evidenced by inscriptions, including:
• A gymnasium
• A stadium
• Temples dedicated to Heracles, Zeus, Hadrian, and Trajan
• A theater
• An agora
• An Asclepion (healing sanctuary)
• Necropolis areas
• Fortification walls
Uncovering these structures poses a significant challenge because modern Sulusaray is built over the ancient city. Dr. Temür pointed out that expropriation, demolition of existing buildings, and expansion of excavation sites will require significant resources, making support from local authorities and business leaders essential.
Dr. Temür highlighted that securing financial resources is the biggest challenge for the excavation. "Thus far, funding has come from the Provincial Administration and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. However, larger budgets are needed for the project to continue in the long term and move into the restoration phase."
Sebastopolis is located within the floodplain of the Çekerek River, and some sections of the city are buried under nearly 10 meters of sediment. While this has helped preserve the ruins, it also increases excavation costs and requires significant human resources and time.
Findings from the site indicate that Sebastopolis has been continuously inhabited from 3,000 BCE to the present day, offering crucial insights into Anatolian settlement history. Dr. Temür concluded by stating that, with adequate financial support, the ancient city could be fully unearthed, benefiting the scientific community and significantly boosting the region’s tourism potential.
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