In 2017, in Laodikeia (the city of Eskihisar in southern Turkey), a Roman floor mosaic was found showing sports exercises. Scientists believe that the mosaic adorned the former gymnasium.
As usual, the discovery was made by accident, when digging in the ground for the foundations of the building began.
The region was inhabited as late as 5500 BCE. The city was founded by general Antiochus II in the middle of the 3rd century BCE in honour of his wife Laodicea. In 130-129 BCE, the city and the entire region fell into the hands of the Romans. Throughout its existence, the city experienced successive earthquakes, to finally be abandoned by the inhabitants at the beginning of the 7th century – after serious damage.
The city was rich and well-developed due to its location – it was located at the crossroads of the main trade routes. Textiles, marble, grain and animals were mainly exported.
