2,000-year-old sundial unearthed in Laodikeia

A Hellenistic-era marble sundial has been unearthed in the ancient city of Laodikeia located in southern Turkey.

Credit: AA

Oriented toward the south, the sundial shows seasons, months and hours, said Celal Şimşek, the chief archaeologist at Denizli's Pamukkale University, referring to the piece as "unique."

The sundial features images of foliage and the Greek names of the seasons but is missing its shadow-casting needle, known as a gnomon.

Credit: AA

Known as Laodikeia on the Lykos, the city was founded by Antiochos II Theos in 261-253 BC in honour of his wife Laodike. 

It is situated on the long spur of a hill between the narrow valleys of the small rivers Asopos and Kapros, which discharge their waters into the Lykos. The town was originally called Diospolis, "City of Zeus", and afterwards Rhodas.

Credit: AA

Among the rare, largely preserved buildings in the city are the largest ancient stadium in Asia Minor, a theatre and a sacred agora.

Source: Daily Sabah [March 20, 2020]

* This article was originally published here