Research and Excavations at Sardis

In this year’s Sardis Biennial Lecture, Professor Nicholas Cahill of the University of Wisconsin–Madison will discuss recent excavations at Sardis in Türkiye. The Archaeological Exploration of Sardis has been sponsored by Harvard University and Cornell University since 1958 and is authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Discoveries include monumental remains of the early Lydian palace and a new sector of well-preserved houses destroyed by Cyrus the Great in 547 BCE. Work continues on the largest Roman arch in the world and on late antique houses built atop a sanctuary to the emperor Claudius.

A protective roof was built over the Lydian fortification, and a team of local women conserved the mosaics of the Synagogue—the largest in the ancient world. This event will be led by Nicholas D. Cahill, Field Director, Archaeological Exploration of Sardis, and Professor of Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology, University of Wisconsin–Madison. Free admission, but seating is limited and registration is encouraged. Guests can register by clicking on the event on this form, beginning Saturday, March 29, after 10am.