Ancient City of Satala

Have you ever wondered where soldiers who lived thousands of years ago slept and how they built massive fortresses? Gümüşhane is home to the Satala Ancient City, a place exactly as mysterious and thrilling as that. This site was once one of the largest military bases of the Roman Empire, one of the most powerful states in the ancient world.

Where Is Satala Located?

Satala Ancient City is situated in Sadak Village, within the Kelkit District of Gümüşhane Province. It is built on elevated terrain between mountains, far above sea level.

In ancient times, the Roman Empire did not station its armies randomly but placed them at strategically vital locations, such as intersections of major roads. Satala was chosen as a special military base because it lay along key routes connecting the Black Sea region to other areas.

^{Satala Ancient City (}AA⁾

Why Were Roman Soldiers Here?

In ancient Rome, large and powerful military units were called legions. To defend its eastern borders from enemies, the Roman Empire sent the famous 15th Apollinaris Legion to Satala. This large and highly trained force lived in Satala for approximately 600 years. They did not only fight here; they also built roads, aqueducts, and large stone structures.

What Is Being Unearthed from the Ground?

Today, archaeologists (scientists who study ancient remains) are conducting extensive excavations at Satala with great interest. During these digs, they uncovered a Urartian aqueduct believed to be 2,800 years old and a Roman legionary armor dating back 1,500 years! Archaeologists are also examining ancient burial grounds known as necropolises. As they carefully brush away the soil, fragments of massive aqueducts with 47 arches, once used to transport water into the city, are emerging. These discoveries help us understand how people dressed and what tools they used during that era.

^{Satala Ancient City} (AA)

Is History Being Rewritten Here?

Sixty-nine expert scientists from 30 different countries around the world have come to Gümüşhane to see Satala with their own eyes. Why? Because this is the only site in Anatolia where excavations of Roman legions are possible.

Other ancient cities have been submerged under dam waters, so scholars are particularly excited by the findings at Satala. Experts say that every new sword, armor piece, or stone unearthed from the ground has the potential to completely rewrite the information found in history books.