Ancient Roman gladiator tomb discovered in Türkiye

A team of researchers has unearthed the tomb of a Roman gladiator named Euphrates, dating back to the third century B.C. in a remarkable archaeological find in Türkiye.

In Türkiye, archaeologists have uncovered a tomb from the third century B.C. believed to belong to a Roman gladiator, containing the remains of 12 individuals. The discovery occurred during the excavation of the St. John Monument in Selçuk, Izmir, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

This excavation was sanctioned by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and led by Associate Professor Sinan Mimaroglu from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University's Department of Art History. 

Although the tomb dates back to the third century B.C., it was later repurposed in the fifth century A.D. to house the remains of 12 men and women. The gladiator interred there was named Euphrates. In ancient Rome, gladiators were professional fighters who battled in front of large audiences. Many were enslaved individuals or criminals, although some chose to fight voluntarily as the sport gained popularity. 

Typically, gladiators engaged in one-on-one combat under the supervision of a referee. While early contests often ended in death, this became less common over time due to the high costs of training and replacing skilled fighters. Historians estimate that approximately one in five to one in ten battles resulted in a fatality, and many gladiators lived only into their mid-20s. Tombs similar to that of Euphrates have also been discovered in Istanbul, Marmara Island, and Syria. 

The recently uncovered tomb features crosses carved into its interior and on its lid, which date back to the fifth century, with additional markings believed to have been added during the seventh and eighth centuries. While little is known about the 12 individuals interred within, they are thought to have belonged to an upper-class background. 

Associate Professor Mimaroglu noted, “The burials inside the church likely belong to the upper class or clergy, as it’s improbable that an ordinary person would be laid to rest in such a meticulous manner within a church.” This discovery is significant for various reasons, including enhancing researchers' understanding of the ancient city of Ephesus and its burial practices.

By Naila Huseynova