Rare Roman-Era Clay Theater Ticket and Other 'Priceless Artifacts' Discovered in 'Pristine Condition', Stun Experts

Archeologists have found a Roman-era clay theatre ticket in Turkey. The ticket was likely used to gain entrance in 40 Basamaklar, an amphitheater located in the ancient city of Prusias Ad Hypium also known as the 'Ephesus of the western Black Sea,' Arkeonews reported. The researchers uncovered many other Roman-era artifacts from the site along with the ticket.

The ticket was uncovered by archeologists during excavations in the amphitheater, All That's Interesting reported. The ticket had several floral designs along with a row number. It measured around an inch in diameter. The ticket allows experts a glimpse into the seating arrangement employed by theatres in the past. Researchers were ecstatic to find all the artifacts in such a pristine condition.

The discovery of the ticket and other artifacts from the amphitheater was announced by Mayor Faruk Özlü of the nearby city of Düzce and Konuralp, and Museum Director, İhsan Aslan, in November 2024. The clay-ticket was the star attraction of the collection that included a statuette depicting Aphrodite and a stone figure that once sat atop a thyrsus. Thyrsus is a staff or wand that is connected with Dionysus, the Greek and Roman god of entertainment and wine.

Officials highlighted the importance of the discovery for the nation in the press conference. "We found historical artifacts that are of great importance both in our geography and in our country in general, completely intact," Özlü stated. "We’ve found these priceless artifacts in pristine condition."

The amphitheater in which the items were found is an expansive structure. It measures 300 feet long and 240 feet wide. The building was discovered to contain features like lion claw designs, vaulted passages, and a stage. Authorities plan to restore the theatre and reopen it as a cultural and arts center. 

Excavations in Prusias Ad Hypium have been going on since 2019. The ancient city was conquered by Romans around 74 B.C.E. The project has revealed that many structures built during the Roman occupation, have survived in a good state. The archeologists are hopeful that digging through the ancient city will get them close to a buried Roman settlement in the area. "There is a Roman city beneath this settlement area," said Özlü. "Experts on the subject determined this. We understand from the works we encountered in our excavations that there are [more] findings that will even change the course of history."