2,400-year-old grave of possible ancient pro wrestler discovered in Turkey

In a remarkable archaeological find in Turkey, the grave of a 2,400-year-old individual has been unearthed, potentially belonging to an ancient pro wrestler. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkey's minister of culture and tourism, announced the discovery during a statement on August 10. The remains and artifacts were found in a stone sarcophagus within one of the cemeteries outside the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos. The tomb is believed to date back to between 475 and 300 B.C., during the city's Classical period.

Aspendos, founded by Greek colonists in the fifth century B.C., grew into a significant trading center for salt, olive oil, wood, and horses. The city boasted a large Greek gymnasium and a massive stadium, which could hold up to 8,000 spectators who watched events such as footraces, javelin contests, and wrestling. The city's connection to wrestling is evident through the minting of silver coins featuring two naked wrestlers.

These coins, known as staters, were produced for over a century, indicating the importance of wrestling in Aspendos' society.

While the newly discovered grave contains a human skeleton and coins depicting wrestlers, it remains unclear whether the deceased was indeed a wrestler. Further analysis, such as examining signs of physical trauma or injury, will be required to positively identify the individual's occupation. Sarah E. Bond, a historian at the University of Iowa, noted that while the presence of wrestling-themed coins suggests a connection to the sport, they alone are insufficient evidence of a wrestler's identity.

The discovery is part of an ongoing excavation of the cemetery at Aspendos, with researchers committed to uncovering more details about the city's rich history and preserving its cultural heritage for future generations.