The archaeologists under the leadership of dr Bilal Söğüt from Pamukkale University in Denizli are currently working in the area of Roman bath in ancient Stratonicea. The team of 100 workers will clear the remains of the baths complex that was built for women only. All together there are three bath complexes in Stratonicea as the recent research has confirmed.
Nearby Yatağan, overshadowed by the thermal power plant, lie the ruins of Lagina ancient sanctuary. Their location, among the surroundings heavily damaged by industrial activities, paradoxically matches the characteristics of the goddess who used to be worshipped there. It was Hecate, the dark goddess of the underworld, of Anatolian origins.
It's difficult to believe, but the most popular guidebooks to Turkey make no mention of Stratonikea at all. It's time to correct this glaring oversight and have a look at the extraordinary ruins of the Carian city, which was inhabited continuously from the 4th century BCE to the 20th century CE and may soon become a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage List. If this happens, then Stratonikea, also known as the City of Gladiators and Love, will certainly gain in popularity, but will lose much of its charm and the atmosphere of mystery that accompanies travellers walking the abandoned streets of the town.