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USAK, TÜRKİYE - NOV. 26, 2024: Excavations in the ancient city of Blaundos, located in Türkiye's western Usak province, have uncovered a plaque dedicated to the famed Roman Emperor Hadrian. Ongoing since 2018, excavations at Blaundos, a city founded by soldiers from Macedonia during Alexander the Great’s campaign in Anatolia, have uncovered remarkable finds. Blaundos is surrounded by the deep Ulubey Canyon and has a single entrance, resembling a natural fortress. The excavations, which began this year in June, are focused on a 2,000-year-old temple of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, as well as a monumental tomb area at the city's entrance. A team of 60 archaeologists is working on the columned street. The east-west street in front of the temple of Demeter served as the heart of the ancient city during the Roman and Byzantine eras. During their work, archaeologists discovered a marble inscription dedicated to Hadrian. The inscription, measuring 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) long and 35 cm (13.8 inches) wide, reads, "To the Savior and Founding Emperor Hadrianus Olympios." ​​​​​​​ Archaeologists believe the inscription was likely created to honor Hadrian, who reigned in 117-138 AD, and is known for aiding cities and expecting praise from local populations in return. (Footage by Mehmet Calik/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)