A mysterious inscription discovered at the gates of a centuries-old church in southern Turkey is turning heads and raising questions about the rules of entry in early Christian sanctuaries.

According to Daily Mail, archaeologists working in the ancient city of Olympos have uncovered a Byzantine-period mosaic warning the unworthy not to enter a church built more than 1,500 years ago.

At the heart of this discovery is a fifth-century place of worship known as Church No. 1, located in Antalya’s Kumluca district within the ruins of Olympos—a city with deep historical ties to both the Lycian and Roman empires. The church’s entrance was found to contain a circular mosaic embedded in the earth that researchers say was designed to influence those approaching the sacred space.

Ominous Inscription Gives Insight Into Ancient Beliefs

Composed of colored tiles and laid in a deliberate circular pattern, the mosaic reads: “Only those on the right path may enter here.” This statement, according to experts, functioned as both a deterrent and a moral message aimed at outsiders and non-Christians, signaling the importance of spiritual readiness and righteousness before entry.

Gokcen Kutulus Oztaskin, the excavation director and an associate professor at Pamukkale University, confirmed that the inscription was discovered in 2024 during continued excavations of the site. She described the find as emblematic of Olympos’s importance in understanding the transition from pagan to Christian culture during the Byzantine era.

Beyond its symbolic message, the mosaic is part of a broader array of decorative art found at the site. Within Church No. 1, additional floors showcase elaborate designs, including geometric patterns and botanical themes, suggesting that religious aesthetics played an important role in both spiritual teaching and church architecture.

Archaeological Work Reveals Expanding Complex

The discoveries at Church No. 1 represent only a portion of the ongoing efforts to unearth and study ancient Olympos. In addition to the religious structures, excavations have revealed a fifth-century civilian home that had been built atop a Roman-era necropolis. This residential structure endured a significant fire in the sixth century but was later rebuilt in its original form.

Excavations at Olympos have been active since 2006, with particularly intensive work carried out year-round over the last four years. The research team has steadily expanded its exploration to other sectors of the city, revealing the complex layers of development that occurred as Olympos shifted from a Roman locale into a Byzantine Christian hub.

The site includes diverse elements of antiquity such as an episcopal palace, bridge foundations, mausoleums, sarcophagi, and a detailed city gate entryway. These findings suggest that Olympos was once a vibrant and highly stratified cityscape mixing civic, religious, and royal functions in close proximity.

Discovery Adds To Mosaic Legacy Of Olympos

According to Oztaskin, Church No. 1 is far from the first building in Olympos to contain intricate mosaic flooring. Artifacts of this kind first began turning up in 2017, with noteworthy additions in 2022 and 2023. In each instance, archaeologists were able to piece together patterns of decoration that reflect artistic and theological priorities of the time.

“Olympos continues to surprise us with its rich mosaic heritage,” said Oztaskin. “These finds confirm Olympos as one of the richest ancient cities in the Lycia region in terms of mosaic flooring.” She added that the team has also found mosaic inscriptions bearing the names of donors who likely supported the church’s construction and maintenance.

Artifacts recovered from the city, including many of the mosaics, are now housed and displayed at the Antalya Archaeological Museum. Their preservation has allowed researchers to gain wider insight into the daily and spiritual lives of the community’s ancient inhabitants.

New Clues Point Toward Temple Remains

Toward the end of 2024, excavation teams working in the northern part of the city identified bossaged stone walls—rough-hewn architectural elements that are often associated with sacred structures. The discovery led researchers to believe that the remains of a temple may lie just beneath the surface.

“Toward the end of last year, we identified bossaged stone walls that suggest a religious structure,” Oztaskin said. “Excavations in that area are set to begin in the coming days.” This area is now a priority zone for researchers as they look to confirm and explore the suspected temple’s layout and affiliation.

The team also recently excavated a large storage jar in a civilian area—evidence of domestic life that may help contextualize religious practices within everyday routines. Oztaskin emphasized that the general structure of the buildings discovered so far has been preserved and mapped out carefully in preparation for deeper investigation.

Continued Excavations Planned For Olympos

While much of the recent activity has focused on the northern parts of the city, archaeologists plan to complete their work in that sector within the next two years. Afterward, the team aims to shift operations southward, where less is known about the ancient settlement’s structures and layout.

Current excavation zones include the city’s western necropolis, central temple area, and Church No. 3. Each area offers unique archaeological opportunities and the potential to further unravel the spiritual and civic fabric of this once-bustling city.

With nearly two decades of continuous work already completed, the archaeological team remains committed to revealing more of Olympos's past. Combining historical analysis with modern conservation techniques, they hope to better understand the intersecting layers of culture and faith that defined the ancient Lycian city.