Bursa Survey

Bursa Survey

A survey of Classical remains in the Bursa area is being conducted by Mustafa Şahin of Uludağ University.

In 2008 remains in the Keles and Orhaneli areas were recorded. In the Keles area three tumuli were identified and a large necropolis to its north. A marble frieze from a Roman temple was found reused in the ruins of a church. A Roman grave stela was also found in this area. It bears a very long inscription and names the Bretos legion, which is known to have been stationed here.

North of Menteşe is Tazlak Tepe, a high place that overlooks the entire valley. Here were found many sculptural fragments, inscriptions referring to Zeus and large columns, so it is likely there was a large temple here. The surrounding villages contain many reused marbles, including fragments of an altar and pediment showing Zeus and stars, a link to the regional cult centred on Mount Olympus/Uludağ. Most of this Roman architectural sculpture probably came from Tazlak Tepe.