Abstract: In the Mediterranean province of Mersin, Turkey, in the center of modern Tarsus, lies the ancient mound known as Gözlükule. In this lecture I will narrate the exploration of this urban heritage site from the late 19th century onwards and present our current project engaging with the mound in the context of long-term individual and institutional interest.
Our team focused on three moments in the biography of this ancient settlement: the end
of the Late Bronze Age, the late Roman Empire period and the period of transition from
a Late Antique to an Early Islamic town. I will present some new insights and some
questions regarding these but also address how our observations dove-tail with the
results of earlier investigations.