Micronation Protests Destruction of Ancient Roman Archaeological Site

Oct. 3, 2010 - PRLog -- The Byzantine micronation of Byzantium Novum  has begun an international campaign to petition and protest the Turkish Governments plan to destroy  an ancient Roman archaeological site at the end of this year.

The site, a Roman bath and spa complex which was an ancient hospital dedicated to the 2nd century Roman physician Galen, is located in modern Allianoi, Turkey.  The Turkish government intends to destroy this well known ancient site by flooding the area as a secondary water reservior for the proposed Yorganli Dam project.

Archaeologists have repeated requested a halt or at least a delay to this part of the project, as about 80% of this unique and valuable site is yet to be excavated.  They have informed the Turkish government that this project will cause the loss of untold art and artifacts and destroy the scientific value of the site forever.

To date, the Turkish goverment has refused to halt the project, and has even stated that the archaeological site itself "does not exist."  The scientific community continues its efforts to negotiate.

Byzantium Novum, an international micronational community dedicated to "The Rebirth of Byzantine Civilization and Culture" has begun a worldwide campaign to increase positive and respectful public input to the Turkish Government regarding this situation.  

Through their website, the networking site Facebook, and in multiple online forums they are encouraging people worldwide to "Send a *polite* letter to the Turkish Embassy in their nation, to make the case that this land is more valuable as an ancient historical site than as a reservoir."  Byzantium Novum maintains that the current Turkish plan is actually not fiscally sound; and that Turkey will make more money in the long run through proper use and promotion of the ancient site.

Senator Marcus Cassius Julianus, speaking on behalf of the Senate of this Byzantine community says "The only way to stop this project is to focus worldwide attention on it. People have to let Turkey know that the world cares about this archaeological site, and others like it."

Byzantium Novum plans to continue this protest "Right up until the day this ancient site is either "sunk or saved."

More information on this campaign may be found through the Byzantium Novum website: www.byzantiumnovum.org .  They may be reached by email at: ByzantiumNovum@aol.com .

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About Byzantium Novum:

Byzantium Novum is a Byzantine micronation and sovereignty project dedicated to the Rebirth of Byzantine Civilization and Culture. It exists as an international Byzantine community with Citizens (members) worldwide. Byzantium Novum promotes a wide variety of Byzantine oriented subjects including Byzantine History, archaeology, reenacting, the Orthodox Church and much more. The Byzantium Novum website is located at www.byzantiumnovum.org