A Roman-era clay theater ticket found in Turkey. Photo

Archaeologists have recently unearthed a clay theater ticket from the Roman era. The find was discovered during excavations in the ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium.

The city, founded in the 3rd century BC, has survived numerous earthquakes over the centuries, and surprisingly, the structural integrity of the theater remained intact. In addition to the ticket, a figurine of Aphrodite and a figure of Thyrsus were found in northwestern Turkey in the Konuralp region of Düzce, Arkeo News reports.

The ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium, located in the northwestern province of Düzce, is home to structures such as an ancient theater, aqueducts, and a Roman bridge. The locals call it "40 Basamaklar". The semicircular auditorium of the ancient theater, 100 meters long and 74-74 meters wide, stairs decorated with lion claw figures, vaulted passages and the stage are still preserved.

The General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums approved the excavations five years ago, with Düzce Municipality providing support. Under the direction of the Konuralp Museum Directorate, the work continues uninterrupted for 12 months every year.

During the work, a clay theater ticket, a statuette of Aphrodite and a figure of Thyrsus were found, which, according to the Turkish website Anadolu Ajansi, date back to the Roman period.

Speaking at the site of the work, the mayor of Düzce, Faruk Özlü, emphasized the importance of preserving the city's 2,300-year history, "We have taken a major step in passing this city’s legacy to the future. We’ve found these priceless artifacts in pristine condition," he said.

The mayor added that after the restoration, the ancient theater will become a cultural and artistic center with 10,000 seats. The ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium plans to open the theater for tourism next year.

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