ISTANBUL, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Excavations at Satala, a historically significant Roman legion city in northeastern Türkiye, are uncovering its potential to become a major cultural and tourism destination.
In the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, the Euphrates River marked the eastern boundary of the Roman Empire. To protect this frontier, the Empire stationed four legions across four cities along the river, with Satala being one of the key locations.
Elif Yavuz Cakmur, a prominent archaeologist from Karadeniz Technical University, is now leading the excavation of Satala, a site that has been revealing its rich Roman legacy, located in Türkiye's Gumushane province.
"Satala is not just an archaeological gem -- it's the only legion city in the region, making it crucial for both archaeology and tourism," Cakmur told Xinhua in a recent interview on the site.
The ongoing digs, which began in 2017, have uncovered significant structures, including a military barracks, a legion cemetery, a Roman bath, and artifacts from daily legion life.
"The Roman bath, although not widely known, still serves as a water reservoir for the local village," Cakmur said, adding that the unique legion cemetery -- the only one of its kind in Anatolia -- provides invaluable insights into Roman military life.
In the excavations at the Legion Cemetery, the team found a variety of swords, weapons, and ceramic artifacts. "Among the most significant findings was a 'diplomata,' a discharge certificate given to soldiers who had completed 25 years of service. We discovered this document next to a skeleton in a Roman military cemetery," Cakmur explained.
She is also enthusiastic about the site's future as a cultural and tourism hub.
"People who aren't familiar with archaeology may not fully understand the site's significance during a historical tour," Cakmur said. "That's why we're planning to transform the unused health center into a Legion Barrack, so visitors can better understand that this was a military garrison and learn about the city's military history."
Tuncer Cagri Cakmur, a restoration expert and senior architect at the Faculty of Architecture at Ataturk University, is also working on a major project for Satala.
He oversees plans for a museum that will showcase the life of a Gallic legionnaire, from birth to death, offering visitors a thematic experience.
"Our goal is not only to attract more visitors but also to present the historical sites in a way that makes them easier to understand and appreciate," he said. The plan is to educate visitors about why Roman soldiers were stationed there, how they arrived, and what their daily lives were like.
"Two thousand years ago, Roman soldiers walked these grounds, practicing drills, sharpening their swords, cooking, eating, and living with their families," he said. "Today, a completely different culture exists here, which makes it challenging for people to fully grasp its historical significance. That's why we're creating a thematic display and tourism plan to bring this rich past to life."
