Archaeologists in western Türkiye are uncovering a restricted sacred area inside the North Temple of the ancient city of Blaundos, revealing new details about religious life in a settlement long described as a military garrison city.
The excavation, led by the Uşak Museum Directorate, is focused on a section of the temple once reserved for priests and closed to public access. The area, known in ancient architecture as the temenos, was used for rituals, offerings and prayer.
Strategic location
Blaundos was founded as a fortified settlement after soldiers from Macedonia were relocated to Anatolia during campaigns associated with Alexander the Great. The city is still known for its natural fortress-like terrain, surrounded by deep valleys formed by what is now the Ulubey Canyon and accessible through a single entrance.
Archaeologists describe the site as a strategically designed military settlement, later shaped by Roman and Byzantine occupation layers.
