Zeugma excavations to last a century

This year's archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Zeugma, which lies on the coast of the Euphrates River and is famous for the Gypsy Girl Mosaic, has unearthed bronze pieces from the clothing of legion units, silver and iron materials, rings, fibulas, ceramics, ivory and bone needles and frescoes, with experts saying excavations in the ancient site may last a century. 

Located in the southeastern province of Gaziantep's Nizip district, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum is home to many splendors unearthed in the ancient city, where excavations have been going on since 2005 by Ankara University's archaeology department's Professor Kutalmış Görkay and his team. 

The excavation team is currently working in a Roman villa called the "Muzolar House" on an area of 20 decares. Works will end on Sept. 18. 

Deputy head of the excavations and Gazi University's archeology department's academic Associated Professor Ayşe Fatma Erol said the ancient city of Zeugma was one of the most important intersections that gave passage to Mesopotamia on the Euphrates River. 

She said thanks to this feature, the ancient city kept its political, military and economic significance throughout history. 

"With its position on the Euphrates River, Zeugma was a Hellenistic and Roman city that served as a bridge and gateway for many civilizations. The city was formed in the Hellenistic era by Seleukos King Seleukos I with the name 'Selevkia.' Romans were dominant there since the 1st century B.C. The city's name became Zeugma after the Romans. It means bridge-gateway," she added.  

Traces of Paleolithic Age  

Erol said the city, perched on the eastern border of the Roman Empire, kept this position until the second half of...