The 1800-year-old Hadrianus Fountain in Sagalassos is coming to light

A new historical heritage is being revived in the ancient city of Sagalassos, located in the Ağlasun district of Burdur, which dates back to 3000 BC and is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Following the 1844-year-old Antonine Fountain, which was brought to water in 2010, work has accelerated on the 1892-year-old Hadrian's Fountain, built in honor of Roman Emperor Hadrian.

Artifacts are being unearthed in Sagalassos, where excavation work has been conducted for two years by faculty members of the Archaeology Department at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ).

The fountain will be brought to water next year

With the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a team consisting of 4 archaeologists, an architect, a restorer, and 23 workers, under the coordination of Sagalassos Excavation Director Prof. Dr. Şükrü Özüdoğru, is working tirelessly on the restoration of the two-story monumental fountain, which exceeds 20 meters in height. The goal is to bring the fountain to water next year.

Deputy Excavation Director and Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Archaeology Department Dr. Lecturer Düzgün Tarkan provided information about the ongoing work. Tarkan said, “Last year, we focused on the restoration of Hadrian's Fountain, but examinations revealed that some parts of the structure were missing. Therefore, we are continuing excavations simultaneously both at the fountain and the adjacent Odeon structure. We plan to complete the excavation phase and move on to restoration within about a month.”

After the Antonine Fountain, now Hadrian's Fountain

Tarkan stated that approximately 240 new blocks unearthed during the work provide a significant advantage for restoration, “195 of these blocks can be placed in their original positions. Thus, after the Antonine Fountain, a second monumental fountain will be added to the city. Hadrian's Fountain, with its two-story structure, is 10 meters taller and much more magnificent than the Antonines. The front of the fountain faces the agora square, while the back faces the Odeon. When the restoration is completed, not only the fountain but also the surrounding area will be arranged within the scope of the 'Legacy to the Future' project and brought into tourism,” he said.

It is known that Hadrian's Fountain was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian (AD 130-139). With the completion of the work, Sagalassos will offer a new historical value to both the scientific world and tourism.