Ruins found during the construction of a business center in western Turkey have turned out to be from the Roman era and include a Roman imperial hall, an ancient port and a bathhouse.

The construction at the site in the western province of İzmir was halted recently when crews came across ruins while digging to lay the foundation.

Local officials inspecting the ruins discovered ruins dating back to Roman rule in the province, which was known as Smyrna in ancient times. The Roman Empire ruled the city, which lies on the shore of Aegean Sea, from the 1st century B.C. to 4 A.D.