ANCIENT FOUNTAIN IN THE TURKISH CITY OF KIBYRA REVIVES AFTER TWO THOUSAND YEARS

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In the Turkish city of Kibyra, an ancient fountain destroyed by an earthquake in 23 BC has been restored after nine months of restoration work. Clean spring water once again flows from this two-thousand-year-old source.

The monumental fountain in Kibyra was restored with support from Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Surviving original fragments allowed researchers to restore it almost to its original appearance and reconnect the water supply from the spring. Restoration required 68 original architectural elements and 24 imitation blocks made from the same type of stone as the ancient fountain. Unique animal sculptures found during excavations are currently displayed in the museum of Burdur province.

During the Roman Empire, Kibyra, in the Golhisar district of Burdur province, was one of ancient Roman civilisation’s most important cities. It became famous for its bloody gladiatorial combats and was therefore called the “City of Gladiators”. Kibyra has been on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage List since 2016.

The Kibyra fountain, with two pools, was built in the I century BC and operated for almost 700 years, meeting the city’s drinking water needs. The fountain was 7.5 metres high and about 15 metres in diameter. It was decorated with tall columns, elegant relief friezes and detailed animal sculptures depicting lions and panthers. These animals held an important place in ancient Roman mythology, and gladiators also fought them in arenas.

After the terrible earthquake that almost razed the city to the ground, most ancient buildings were destroyed. However, the giant fountain survived thanks to concerned townspeople, who gradually restored it after the disaster.