1 900 year-old brick vault unearthed

One of the best-preserved historical pieces in the world, a brick vault has been unearthed in the ancient city of Metropolis in Turkey.

The vault is believed to be part of the ancient city's public bath and it dates back 1,900 years ago.

Serdar Aybek, an associate professor at Manisa Celal Bayar University who is heading the excavations, said the structure is one of the best preserved brick vaults in the world. He also said the service corridors were an incredible discovery for the science of archaeology as they are "still standing strong."

Archaeologists at the site have excavated a Hellenistic-era theater, a parliament building, a gallery with columns and buildings reflecting the ancient city's structure such as two public baths, a hall with mosaics, a villa, shops and streets built during the Roman Empire.

He said they also unearthed over 10,000 artifacts belonging to the Hellenistic and Roman eras such as ceramics, glassware, architectural pieces, sculptures and artifacts made of bone, ivory and minerals. "We will continue to excavate Metropolis Ancient City and unearth the secrets of the city in efforts to introduce this archaeological site to Turkey's tourism," Aybek added.

Aybek said that the archaeologists discovered a prayer area in the northeastern part of the ancient city dedicated to Zeus, the chief god in Greek mythology.