A team of Turkish scientists and archaeologists discovered the remains of a 2,500-year-old temple dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite in the Urla-Çeşme peninsula in Turkey's west.
After screening an area of 1,600 square meters (17,220 square feet) that covers parts of the Urla, Çeşme and Seferihisar districts of Izmir, 35 prehistoric-era human settlements, including 16 from the late Neolithic period, were uncovered.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Elif Koparal from Mimar Sinan University, who is leading the excavations, said a significant social and economic network was discovered.
"During our screening of the surface, we detected the Aphrodite temple from the sixth century B.C. Aphrodite was a commonly worshipped figure back then. It is a fascinating and impressive discovery," Koparal added.
Aphrodite is an ancient Greek goddess associated with love, beauty, pleasure, passion and procreation.
The researcher also remarked that the first traces of the temple were discovered back in 2016 and were announced to the world in a journal.
Drawing attention to the threat posed by illegal treasure hunters and urbanization of historical sites, Koparal said her team cooperated with the locals to protect the archaeological treasures.
