The Disappearance of the Ancient City of Zeugma

Video from Histoire & Civilisations

The Disappearance of the Ancient City of Zeugma

"In 1999, the filling of the Birecik dam on the Euphrates in Turkey led to the disappearance of the ancient city of Zeugma, the name given to the twin cities of Apamea and Seleucia. Founded in the 3rd century BCE, Zeugma was one of the main cities of the Roman Empire. A Franco-Turkish mission, led by Catherine Abadie-Reynal, was tasked with conducting emergency excavations to save the last remains before the site was submerged.

At Apamea, a site covering 36 hectares, research is taking place on eight sites. The discovery of fragments of surrounding walls and a magnetic survey are making it possible to reconstruct the overall structure of the city, revealing its network of streets and its dwellings.

At Seleucia-Zeugma, archaeologists are concentrating their efforts on the lower part of the site, covering 75 hectares, which is to be submerged. Remarkable discoveries, such as a very well-preserved network of underground pipes, allow us to draw the plan of the city and understand its layout. A sumptuous Roman villa, composed of fourteen rooms spread over three wings, is gradually uncovered. A meticulous excavation reveals numerous remains: bronze statuettes, terracotta, coins, but above all wall paintings and mosaics of great beauty, saved in extremis.

Director: Thierry Ragobert " from the video introduction

"The ancient site of Belkıs/Zeugma was once an important city of the Commagene Kingdom. It is situated about 50 km from the modern city of Gaziantep, on the banks of the Euphrates. Its name derives from the bridge of boats that in ancient times connected the river banks in this place, forming one of the three major river crossings of the region. The significant part of this archaeological site is now lost under the waters of the Birecik Dam, and its most spectacular artefacts - the extraordinary mosaics - are now displayed in the magnificent Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep.

Historical overview:

Zeugma started its existence as a Greek town, founded by Seleucus I Nicator, one of the Diadochi, the friends of Alexander the Great who fought for control over his empire after his death in 323 BCE. In ancient times, the name Zeugma encompassed the twin cities, perching on both banks of the Euphrates. The western town was also known as Seleucia after the founder, while the eastern settlement was called Apamea as Seleucus' Persian wife name was Apama..." from the article: Zeugma

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