Excavation works to start at ancient Elaussia Sebaste

New excavation works will start at the ancient city of Elaussia Sebaste in the southern province of Mersin, which houses a necropolis, ancient theater and cistern as well as several aqueducts, on Sept. 8. 

A total of 45 people will take part in the new excavation on the site, said the head of the excavation, Prof. Annalisa Polosa from Rome's La Sapienza University.

Polosa said she had taken part in excavations at the site since 2002 and she is happy to be the new head, replacing former chief Prof. Evgenia Egnini Schneider, who had occupied the post for the last 10 years. 

"Excavations have been held in the ancient city for the last 20 years. With the existence of highly valuable cultural assets in the site, the whole area is like an open archeology museum. We have unearthed an ancient theater, agora, basilica, temple and Byzantine palace as well as a number of ancient bathrooms and two ports. We believe more will follow," she said. 

She noted a 5 km-long ancient Roman road, which goes through the Aya? neighborhood to the Korykos Castle, will be opened. 

Polosa noted that the new excavation will be completed on Oct. 20.