Ancient city founded by Hadrian revealed in Türkiye excavations

The remains of Hadrianoi, an ancient city founded by Roman Emperor Hadrian in A.D. 123, are being brought to light through archaeological excavations in the Orhaneli district of northwestern Türkiye’s Bursa province.

The excavation is being carried out across an area of around 5,000 square meters (around 1.24 acres) under the leadership of the Bursa General Directorate of Museums and with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Professor Derya Şahin, a faculty member in the Department of Archaeology at Bursa Uludağ University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, serves as the project’s scientific adviser.

Through the excavations, researchers hope to pinpoint the exact location of Hadrianoi, which Hadrian is believed to have founded in the area where he hunted on the southern slopes of Mount Uludağ, and to shed light on the region’s historical significance.

Bursa Museum Director Ahmet Türkmenoğlu told Anadolu Agency (AA) that Orhaneli, one of Bursa’s oldest districts, has been home to settlements since the Roman era.

Noting that the existence of a city known as Hadrianoi in the district has long been documented, Türkmenoğlu said Hadrian came to Anatolia to inspect areas affected by an earthquake and traveled through what were then known as the regions of Mysia and Bithynia.

“He stopped in Nicomedia and Nicaea before heading toward the Erdek area. As he passed through the region, he came to this area at the foothills of Mount Uludağ and most likely founded a city here bearing his own name, Hadrianoi,” Türkmenoğlu said.

“Why did he establish it here? Hadrian was passionate about hunting and this region was ideal for it.”

Türkmenoğlu said the area had been connected by a route that has been in use since Roman times.

“This road passes through Harmancık and leads to Kütahya and Balıkesir, and it is still in use today. The city was founded along this route. There are also thermal springs in the region, which may have been used at the time,” he said, “When you look at it, there were many reasons to establish a settlement here.”

An archaeologist works at the excavation site of Hadrianoi, an ancient city founded by Roman Emperor Hadrian in A.D. 123, Bursa, Türkiye, Sept. 5, 2026. (AA Photo)

Untouched area

Türkmenoğlu said historical sources also record that Hadrian founded Hadrianoi in A.D. 123, prompting archaeologists to begin excavations at the site.

The team first had to carry out extensive clearing work, he said.

“We entered an area that had never been explored before. After the clearing work, we realized that we were inside a huge monumental structure. It could be an agora, or marketplace, or perhaps a gymnasium, an educational complex,” he said, “We will learn more as the excavations continue.”

Türkmenoğlu said the excavation is currently being carried out by a team of five.

“The area we are excavating is very close to the entrance of the monumental structure, particularly its main wall. Our first goal is to excavate the site and reach the floor level of the structure,” he said. He added that the data obtained there will help reveal the nature of the building and shed light on its architectural features.

Türkmenoğlu said other areas would be excavated over time, adding that further work on the monumental structure could also uncover sculptural works, particularly around its lower levels.

“The structure itself is already visible,” he said. “Although the outer walls have collapsed, in many places we can clearly see walls and architectural elements still in situ, in their original locations.”

Türkmenoğlu added that the archaeological excavations and subsequent work could eventually turn the site into an important destination for the country’s cultural tourism.

DAILYSABAH