Archaeologists in Türkiye have unearthed a remarkably preserved council building in the ancient city of Laodicea, shedding light on the political life of the city under Roman rule.
The structure dating back to the late first century B.C. is believed to have served as the administrative and judicial hub of Laodicea. Researchers determined that the assembly hall could host between 600 and 800 members.
Names engraved on the seats helped identify their roles, while a seated statue—likely of the city’s chief judge—featured a later-added head, suggesting changes in leadership over time.
Excavations revealed that the council building had a distinctive design, with pentagonal outer walls and a hexagonal interior, a layout not previously recorded in ancient Anatolia.
The building remained in use until the seventh century A.D. and was surrounded by key urban features, including a political agora, archive halls, a large bath complex, and the region’s biggest stadium.
Main Image: Aerial view of the 2,050-year-old council building discovered during excavations in the ancient city of Laodicea. (AA Photo via Türkiye Today)