In southern Turkey, during excavations in the ancient city of Patara, the remains of an ancient altar decorated with the image of a large snake were found. In ancient times, snakes represented the deities of the underworld or were their link with the world.
The object was found near the Roman remains of walls and baths. Interestingly, during the archaeological work, numerous live black snakes were found, which are very similar to the one depicted on the altar. The altar is made of marble and is about 2000 years old.
