Excavations at the ancient city of Timbriada, located in the Aksu district of modern Isparta province in southwest Turkey, have uncovered remarkable insights into the everyday life, economy, and spiritual practices of its inhabitants over two millennia ago. Spanning roughly two kilometers on the slopes of Asartepe, the city was a prominent hub in the region of Pisidia.
Under the direction of Professor Fikret Ozcan from Suleyman Demirel University, researchers have concentrated on the central church of the settlement. Their work has revealed spaces that functioned both as storage areas and kitchens. Granaries, silos, and carbonized grains provide a rare glimpse into agricultural methods, food storage, and dietary habits, offering data that is valuable not only for historical studies but also for understanding ancient crop diversity.
Economic activity is further evidenced by coins from the 2nd century BC discovered near Zintan Cave, pointing to active trade networks. It is also suggested that during the Roman period, Timbriada might have been part of the Panhellenic Union—an alliance of cities including Athens and Pergamon—indicating its potential regional influence. While scholars continue to investigate Timbriada’s precise borders and political affiliations, it is evident that the city played a significant role in regional commerce and cultural exchanges.
Religious life in Timbriada was diverse. The sanctuary of Kybele near Zintan Cave, along with temples and coin depictions featuring deities such as Zeus, Dionysus, Hermes, the Dioscuri, and Kybele herself, illustrates a rich tapestry of beliefs and cultural interaction. These discoveries shed light on the integration of spiritual practices with daily and economic life.
Overall, the ongoing excavations at Timbriada provide a window into how ancient Pisidian communities adapted to their environment, organized their settlements, and combined agriculture, trade, and religion into a cohesive social system. Such findings continue to enhance our understanding of ancient Anatolian civilizations and their societal structures.