Selcuk University Archaeologists Reveal Fascinating Mosaics in Heraclea

A team led by Prof. Dr. Zeliha Gider Büyüközer from Selcuk University’s Department of Archaeology has uncovered mosaics depicting crocodiles, dolphins, flamingos, and eels during excavations at the ancient city of Heraclea in the Milas district of Mugla.

Prof. Dr. Zeliha Gider Büyüközer, Head of the Latmos and Heraclea Excavations and Faculty Member of Selcuk University's Department of Archaeology, stated that they are conducting work in the Roman bath of the ancient city as part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Future Heritage Project.

Büyüközer highlighted that crocodile depictions were found in the mosaics, particularly in the "cold room" section of the bath. She noted, "Six crocodile depictions were uncovered, all facing each other. This mosaic has attracted significant interest. Some may think that crocodiles could have lived in this region. While this area is not particularly suitable for crocodiles, the artist who created this mosaic must have seen a crocodile, as they were able to depict it in such detail and transfer it onto the mosaic. Therefore, we believe that the artist working in this space might have been a traveling craftsman who could have worked in regions where such crocodiles lived in the past."

Büyüközer, stating that a well-preserved mosaic floor was uncovered in the warm room designed to prevent heat loss in the bath, explained, "Between four dolphins placed in the corners, there are flamingos, and interestingly, eels made of red-colored stones are depicted in the mouths of the flamingos. Eels are a very important species for this region. Flamingos, too, are still living in this area today. In fact, the artist depicted the animals they saw in this region."