Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkably preserved Roman-era assembly hall in the ancient city of Laodicea, Turkey, a discovery announced in August 2025. This significant find offers invaluable insights into the political and judicial functions of Laodicea during the Roman period.
The assembly hall, dating to the late first century B.C., features a unique architectural design with pentagonal outer walls and a hexagonal interior, a configuration unprecedented in ancient Anatolia. This distinctive layout suggests a specialized purpose for the structure, which could seat between 600 and 800 individuals, serving as the administrative and judicial heart of Laodicea.
Inscriptions found on the seating tiers have identified various citizens, elders, and youths, providing a tangible connection to the city's organized governance. Adjacent to the hall, a seated statue believed to represent a chief judge was discovered, notable for its head being added at a later period, indicating potential evolution in leadership or representation over time. The building's enduring significance is highlighted by its continuous use until the seventh century A.D.
This discovery complements recent archaeological endeavors in Laodicea. In August 2024, unique Skylla group statues from the Hellenistic era were unearthed, and the restoration of the ancient Western Theater concluded in March 2025, further illuminating the city's rich cultural and historical tapestry. Laodicea, established between 261-253 B.C. by Seleucid King Antiochus II, was a major trading hub and a prominent commercial center in Asia Minor, its strategic location and extensive history continuing to yield crucial information about ancient urban development and governance.
The architectural style of this assembly hall, a fusion of local traditions and Roman engineering, reflects broader trends in Roman architecture across Asia Minor, which often adapted classical Hellenistic styles with Roman innovations. This find not only enriches our understanding of Laodicea's past but also contributes to the broader narrative of Roman urban planning and architectural ingenuity in the region. The city's resilience, having been rebuilt after numerous earthquakes, and its eventual abandonment after a severe quake in the seventh century, speaks to the dynamic nature of ancient urban centers.