Archaeologists have uncovered a striking mosaic inscription at the entrance of a Byzantine church in Antalya’s historic Olympos site, bearing the powerful message: “Only the Righteous May Enter.”
Excavations in Olympos, located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, have been ongoing since 2006. The site features remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods and has proven to be one of the most mosaic-rich ancient cities in the region.
During the latest phase of the dig, researchers working at Church No. 1 uncovered beautifully preserved mosaic floors featuring geometric and floral patterns. Most notably, at the church’s entrance, they found a mosaic inscription reading:
“Only those on the right path may enter.”
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökçen Kurtuluş Öztaşkın, lead archaeologist and faculty member at Pamukkale University, the discovery adds a new layer of meaning to the site’s religious and cultural significance.
“Olympos continues to surprise us with its mosaics,” Öztaşkın stated. “This inscription at the church threshold is not just decorative—it likely served as a symbolic spiritual message to those entering the sacred space.”
In addition to the inscription, other mosaic tiles bear the names of patrons who contributed to the church’s construction—offering rare glimpses into the community structure and religious patronage of the time.
Civilian Structures and New Temple Area Under Study
The excavation team also uncovered evidence that a former Roman-era necropolis had been transformed into a civilian settlement during the Byzantine period, as the population expanded. A multi-room residential complex with stone-paved floors, originally built in the 5th century AD, was found to have been rebuilt after a fire in the 6th century.
The team is now preparing to begin work on a newly identified area believed to contain the remains of an ancient temple. The structure’s bossed stone walls and architectural style strongly suggest a sacred function, and excavation is set to begin in the coming weeks.
What’s Next for Olympos?
In 2025, excavations will continue at several key sites across the city, including the western necropolis, the central temple area, the bishop’s palace, and Church No. 3. The team also plans to complete work in the northern zone within two years before shifting focus to the unexplored southern sections of the city.
Cover Image Credit: “Only the Righteous May Enter” Inscription, Ancient City of Olympos. Kasım Sakallı/AA
