After a property developer in noticed ancient ruins some 3-meters deep during a groundbreaking procedure in Turkey’s southwestern city of Muğla, he called local property authorities to verify the findings.

Bodrum Underwater Archaeological Museum Director Tayfun Selçuk, accompanied by three other experts examined the site and confirmed that the ruins are the remains of the villa of the richest fisherman of the Roman period, a Greek named Phainos. The ruins date back to 2nd century AD.

Archaelogical work at the construction site has resumed since June 18 while the findings were removed to Bodrum museum

The site is located in what was once known as the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus and the discovery of the villa has unearthed many ancient artifacts.

Along with the ruins of the actual structure, experts have also located 10 tombs with some human remains, a 20 square meter mosaic, a well, a Roman bath, and other luxury items such as pottery, perfume bottles, and fishing equipment.

A Roman bath, some marble work that was deemed luxurious back then, a well, pottery, fishing equipment, and perfume bottles were also unearthed





Nevertheless, the item that is intriguing archaeologists the most is the mosaic of the famous Greek fisherman.

“The first findings of Phainos, the most famous fisherman of his time, was first discovered in the ancient city of Halicarnassus in 1890s. More mosaics and villa ruins that had the marks of Phainos were later discovered during the excavations at the city centre,” archaeologist Candan Temizel noted, adding, “Those findings which have been unearthed should be careful protected. This invaluable world heritage should be shared.”

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