Archaeologists have discovered ancient mosaics and detailed floor decorations during ongoing excavations in the ancient Greek city of Olympos (Greek: Ὄλυμπος) in modern-day Antalya, Turkey. The findings add to a growing list of discoveries at the site, shedding light on its religious and cultural history.
Inscription at church entrance reveals early Christian values
The most recent discovery centers on Church No. 1, where a mosaic inscription in Greek was found at the entrance. It reads: “Only those on the righteous path may enter here.” Researchers believe the message reflects early Christian values and the spiritual practices of the community that once lived there.
Inside the church, archaeologists also uncovered floor mosaics featuring geometric patterns, floral motifs, and inscriptions. Some of the tiles bear the names of the church’s benefactors.
📍 Antalya’nın Kumluca ilçesindeki Olympos Antik Kenti’nde 1 Nolu Kilise zemininde yeni mozaik alanları ile kilise girişinde üzerinde yazıt olan mozaik zemin keşfedildi.
Yazıtta “Buraya sadece doğru yolda olanlar girebilir” ifadesi yer alıyor. Ayrıca kiliseye bağış yapan… pic.twitter.com/HUCpfyxh6K
— arkeolojihaber ® (@arkeolojihaber) June 19, 2025
“These findings confirm that Olympos was a city rich in mosaic flooring compared to the rest of the Lycian region,” said excavation director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökçen Kurtuluş Öztaşkın of Pamukkale University. “In 2017, 2022, and 2023, we uncovered richly decorated mosaic floors in various structures.”
Olympos was a key Lycian city with Greek roots
Founded during the Hellenistic period, Olympos was one of the major cities of ancient Lycia. Although located in what is now southern Turkey, the city was deeply influenced by Greek architecture and culture. It later became an important Roman settlement and retained its significance well into the Byzantine era.
Olympos is one of the earliest Hellenistic settlements in Asia Minor, and formed part of Lycia. The ruined city today is delicately intertwined with nature, making it incredibly picturesque. Evidence of Hellenistic, Roman & Ottoman history. Recent pics pic.twitter.com/txOew1Zwck
— WeAreAncientGreek (@greek_we) October 1, 2021
Archaeological teams have been excavating the site since 2006. Over the past four years, work has continued year-round without interruption. Major discoveries at the site include two churches, a Roman bridge, the Episcopal Palace, an entrance complex, monumental tombs, and buildings with richly decorated mosaic floors.
Former burial areas turned into homes
In addition to religious buildings, excavations have focused on areas that were originally Roman-era necropolises. These areas were converted into residential neighborhoods during the Byzantine period as the population grew.
One structure from this zone, dated to the 5th century AD, was destroyed by fire in the 6th century. It was rebuilt on the same plan and reused. “It’s a multi-room residential structure with stone-paved floors,” Öztaşkın said. “We are currently continuing excavations there.”
Suspected temple site identified for future dig
Researchers have also identified a potential temple site within the city. “At the end of last year, we spotted façades with drafted ashlar stonework,” Öztaşkın said. “The architectural plan and construction techniques suggest it may be a temple. We plan to begin excavations in that area in the coming days.”
Focus areas for 2025 and new museum additions
In 2025, the excavation team plans to focus on several key areas in Olympos, including the western necropolis, a central temple, the Episcopal Palace, and Church No. 3. The team also aims to complete excavation work in the northern sector of the city within two years before expanding efforts in the south.
Öztaşkın confirmed that a large storage jar, known as a pithos, was found this season in the residential area. Artifacts recovered from the site are now on display at the Antalya Archaeological Museum.