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Ancient Turkish site set to be flooded

Archaeologists protest impending destruction of spa.

The Allianoi archaeological site could soon be under water if authorities carry out their plans to flood a newly constructed reservoir. Located in western Turkey, the site is a well-preserved example of an ancient Roman health spa.

Archaeologist Ahmet Yaras, head of the Allianoi excavation team, is spearheading a campaign to save the site from being submerged. They are trying to rally international support to pressure the authorities to move the reservoir — or at least delay the flooding for another five years so that they can finish the excavations.

Read the ful story here.

Posted by Alex Witze on January 25, 2007 07:16 PM |

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I have been involved in a project with similar framework - the Coa Valley rock art site, Portugal - that has resulted in the abndonnement of the dam construction and in the safeguard of a Roman fortigfied house that was flooded by the Alqueva dam, Portugal. The rock in both places are mainly schists that raise problems quite distinct from those of marbles or limestones as seems to be the Turkish case. Is it possible to have an idea about the expected pH of the imponding waters of the reservoir? And what will be the expected maximum water column above the site?

Posted by: J. Delgado Rodrigues | January 29, 2007 12:00 PM

Does anyone know how to get involved to lend support to this effort? What organizations - and who at those organizations?

Posted by: Jeff Beliveau | January 29, 2007 11:42 PM

The official site for the excavation is http://www.allianoi.org/main/ENG/

To lend support or read more...

Posted by: Anna Charlotte Larsen | January 31, 2007 12:03 PM


There is no point to write about history, if you do not respect history.
The title of Mr Stafford’s article: "Ancient Turkish site ..." demonstrates this disrespect.
There is no "Ancient Turkey" Dr Stafford.
Michael Pazianas, MD

Posted by: Michael Pazianas | February 8, 2007 11:40 AM

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