Archaeologists excavating in the ancient Turkish city of Sagalassos have in October 2025 confirmed the uniqueness of a rare marble relief depicting the Egyptian god Tutu within a Roman bath complex dating to the Roman period. The artifact, first discovered in 2004, offers a unique perspective on the cultural and trade exchanges between the East and Egypt during Roman times. The relief features Tutu, a sphinx-god, accompanied by Horus, symbolizing royal authority, and Sobek, representing the power of the Nile, underscoring themes of divine kingship and divine protection.
Sagalassos, an archaeological site of significant historical importance located in the Burdur province of Turkey, is recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Professor Peter Tallen, leading the excavations and directing Archaeology at Bilkent University, noted that Sagalassos maintained strong commercial ties with Egypt, facilitated by established trade routes. Analysis of the marble used for the relief confirmed its origin from the Afyonkarahisar region of Turkey, indicating local craftsmanship rather than importation from Egypt.
The presence of such Egyptian iconography in Sagalassos, far from Egypt itself, highlights the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. While there is no evidence that these deities were worshipped in Sagalassos, their use in decoration suggests a sophisticated appreciation for foreign cultural elements. This aligns with the Roman Empire's known practice of religious syncretism, incorporating deities from conquered territories or using their imagery for decorative purposes.
This discovery enhances our understanding of how ancient urban centers like Sagalassos functioned not only as economic hubs but also as conduits for artistic and symbolic exchange, reflecting a broader trend of cultural diffusion across the Roman world. The use of local Afyon marble, a material with a history of extraction dating back over 2000 years and known for its export across the ancient world, further demonstrates the integration of regional resources into the artistic expressions of the time. The rare depiction of Tutu, alongside Horus and Sobek, provides a unique window into the symbolic landscape of the Roman East, illustrating how distant cultures engaged with and adapted foreign religious imagery.