There is an ancient city dating back 2,000 years, which had been underwater for many decades, only resurfacing as a major archaeological find in present-day Turkey. The site is referred to as Iuliopolis, a place which had been under the Sarıyar Dam reservoir waters since the middle of the last century for nearly seven decades. Modern excavations carried out from 2009 to 2025 showed that Iuliopolis was more than just a small settlement. Findings include roads, burial structures, and everyday artefacts.
The ancient city lies about 123 km from the capital city of Ankara, having existed initially during the time of the Romans, and later flourishing throughout the Byzantine era. Its strategic position suggests it once played a role in regional trade routes.
