Ancient Greek Agora and Shops Discovered at Hyllarima in Turkey

Archaeologists have uncovered the ancient Greek agora (central marketplace) of the city of Hyllarima (Greek: Ὑλλάριμα), located in what is now modern-day Turkey. This major discovery sheds light on trade and public life in one of inland Caria’s oldest settlements.

Located in Muğla’s Kavaklıdere district, the agora once served as a hub of economic and civic activity. Researchers found a row of long-buried shops carved into the rock on the northern edge of the square. These structures, first built during the Hellenistic period and used well into Roman times, mark a key area of focus for ongoing excavations.

Ongoing excavations reveal major public structures

The project is being conducted under the supervision of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with support from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, the Muğla Museum Directorate, and local authorities. For the past four years, the team has worked to expose monumental remains throughout the site.

Among the major finds are strong defensive walls, a marble-built theater, a council hall, and a public fountain. The discovery of the agora offers a fresh understanding of how ancient residents interacted, traded, and moved through public spaces.

Marketplace served as a civic and economic center

“This was not a small square,” said excavation director Prof. Bekir Özer. “It connected the main street, the theater, and public buildings, and served as a vital center of trade and civic activity.”

Muğla’nın Kavaklıdere ilçesindeki Hyllarima Antik Kenti’nde agoranın sınırlarını belirleyen dükkanlar gün yüzüne çıkarılıyor.

Kazı Başkanı Prof. Dr. Bekir Özer, “Agora, kentin en merkez noktası. Antik Çağ’da kente gelen birinin ilk uğradığı alan burası. Agora, cadde, tiyatro… pic.twitter.com/I6nQdngv1Y

— arkeolojihaber ® (@arkeolojihaber) June 25, 2025

The city dates back to the 4th century B.C. It is situated between two hills in a carefully planned layout, reflecting Classical Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman phases. During the Roman era, the city minted coins and remained active from the 2nd through the 4th centuries A.D.

Though lesser known than some coastal cities, Hyllarima is viewed as one of Caria’s strategically placed inland sites. Its well‑preserved street lines and exact urban plan remain visible even without excavation.

Excavation of ancient shops set to begin

Archaeologists say they will begin work on one of the rock-cut shops in the coming weeks. They hope to recover objects and building details that can reveal more about the flow of goods and daily routines in the marketplace.

Despite recent earthquakes, most of Hyllarima’s stonework remains intact. This has preserved the original spatial experience of the city and supported plans for restoration and tourism.

Restoration aims to reconnect the public with ancient life

Upon the completion of the excavation phase, efforts will commence to conserve the site, ensuring its protection and preparation for public access. Officials hope to offer visitors a chance to walk through the restored agora and imagine how the city once functioned.

“Our ultimate goal,” Özer said, “is to restore the agora and allow visitors to spend time there, to understand and feel how this ancient city once lived and breathed.”

As the excavation deepens, Hyllarima is reclaiming its place in history, not just as a lost city, but as a lasting symbol of Anatolia’s cultural legacy.