The city of Aphrodisias was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, and it was an important center of culture and religion in the ancient world. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey.
Aphrodisias is situated in the Maeander River valley, near the modern town of Geyre. The city was founded in the 3rd century BC, but it reached its peak during the Roman period, between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. The city was renowned for its sculptors, who worked with the abundant white marble that was quarried in the surrounding hills. The city’s sculptures were famous throughout the ancient world, and many of them can be seen in museums today.
One of the most striking features of Aphrodisias is the Temple of Aphrodite, which dominates the cityscapeThe temple was the most important building in the city and it dominated the cityscape. It was constructed on a raised platform, and it faced east, towards the rising sun. The temple was oriented towards the sacred spring, which was located a short distance away, and which was believed to have healing properties.
The temple was built in several stages, with the final version being completed in the 2nd century AD. It was a massive structure, with eight columns on the front and back, and thirteen columns on each side. The columns were made of white marble and were over 12 meters tall. The columns supported an entablature, which was adorned with elaborate friezes that depicted scenes from the life of Aphrodite. The temple was decorated with numerous sculptures and inscriptions that commemorated the contributions of the city’s leading citizens. One of the most famous sculptures from Aphrodisias is the statue of Aphrodite that was found in the temple. The statue was a blend of the goddess’s Carian origins and the Anatolian deities that were worshipped in the region. In the 5th century AD, it was converted into a Christian basilica, which served as the city’s cathedral. The conversion involved significant alterations to the structure, and the basilica was much larger than the pagan temple it had replaced. The temple was adorned with Christian mosaics and frescoes, and it was an important center of worship for Christians in the region.
Today, the temple is in ruins, but visitors can still see the impressive columns and the inscriptions that have survived. The sculptures of Aphrodisias were famous throughout the ancient world, and many of them can be seen in museums today. The city had a thriving school of sculpture, which produced many masterpieces that are still admired today. One of the most famous sculptures from Aphrodisias is the statue of Aphrodite that was found in the Temple of Aphrodite. The statue was a blend of the goddess’s Carian origins and the Anatolian deities that were worshipped in the region. The statue is now on display at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.
The Tetrapylon, or Monumental Gateway, is one of the most impressive structures in Aphrodisias. It was the entrance that greeted pilgrims as they arrived in the city and connected the main north-south street to the Temple of Aphrodite. The gateway was a vital link between the major street and the sacred way that led to the temple. The Tetrapylon was a magnificent structure, with four entrances that were decorated with columns and arches. Each entrance was flanked by two pairs of columns, and the arches above were adorned with elaborate reliefs and sculptures. The Tetrapylon was built in the 2nd century AD and was an important symbol of the city’s power and prestige. Today, visitors can still see the impressive ruins of the Tetrapylon and imagine what it would have been like to enter the city through this magnificent gateway.
The Bouleuterion is another impressive structure in Aphrodisias. Located on the north side of the north agora, it had a capacity of approximately 1,750 seats. The building was open-plan, with numerous entrances on the ground floor and several stairways leading to upper floors. The massive parallel buttresses found indicate that it was originally a roofed building. It remained in its original structure until the 5th century, but later on, it was adapted to serve as a palaestra, or wrestling area, by a municipal official. The building was also used for political meetings and the council of the city. The Bouleuterion was a significant public space in the city, and its architecture reflects the importance of civic activities in ancient Greek and Roman society. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of this impressive structure and imagine the political and cultural events that took place in its walls.
The Stadium in Aphrodisias is one of the most impressive structures in the ancient city. It is the best-preserved and largest stadium in the Mediterranean, and it is in the shape of an ellipse. The stadium was originally designed for athletic contests, but after the theater was damaged in an earthquake in the 7th century AD, it was used for gladiatorial contests. The stadium has a seating capacity of up to 30,000 people, and it is a testament to the engineering and architectural prowess of the ancient city. The seating area is divided into three sections, with the front row reserved for important officials and VIPs. Today, visitors can walk through the stadium and imagine the excitement and drama that must have unfolded within its walls during the ancient games.
The Sebasteion was a massive complex of buildings located in the center of Aphrodisias. It was built during the reign of the Emperor Tiberius, between 14 and 37 AD, and was dedicated to the cult of the Imperial family. The complex consisted of three-story buildings that were adorned with numerous statues and reliefs depicting the members of the Imperial family and other important figures. The Sebasteion was one of the most important monuments in Aphrodisias, and it was a symbol of the city’s loyalty to the Roman Empire. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the Sebasteion and admire the impressive sculptures and reliefs that have survived.
The Odeon in Aphrodisias is a remarkable structure that served as a venue for musical and theatrical performances. It was built in the 2nd century AD and is located in the southeast corner of the city. The Odeon could accommodate approximately 1,700 spectators and had a raised stage and a semicircular seating area. The structure was decorated with sculptures and inscriptions that honored the city’s benefactors. Today, the Odeon is one of the best-preserved structures in Aphrodisias, and visitors can still see the remnants of the stage and the seating area. It is an impressive testament to the city’s dedication to the arts and culture.
The Baths of Hadrian were one of the largest and most impressive public buildings in Aphrodisias. The baths were built in the 2nd century AD, during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian, and they covered an area of over 11,000 square meters. The complex consisted of several different rooms and facilities, including a frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room), as well as a large natatio (swimming pool). The walls and floors of the baths were decorated with colorful mosaics and intricate marble designs, many of which have survived to this day. The Baths of Hadrian were an important center of social and cultural activity in Aphrodisias, and they provide valuable insights into the daily life and customs of the ancient world.
The Portico of Tiberius was a massive structure that dominated the southeast side of the Agora in Aphrodisias. It was built during the reign of the Roman emperor Tiberius in the 1st century AD and was one of the largest porticoes in the ancient world. The portico was 156 meters long and had two stories, with a total of 38 columns on the ground floor and 44 columns on the upper floor. The portico was not only a functional structure but also a symbol of the power and influence of the Roman Empire. Today, visitors can see the remains of the portico, including the columns and the foundations of the structure.
The Agora, or marketplace, was an essential feature of many ancient Greek and Roman cities, and Aphrodisias was no exception. Located in the center of the city, the Agora of Aphrodisias was a bustling hub of commerce and social activity. It was surrounded by colonnaded porticos that provided shelter from the sun and rain, and it was home to numerous shops, workshops, and administrative buildings. The Agora was also a place for public gatherings and political assemblies, and it played an important role in the civic life of the city. Today, visitors to Aphrodisias can still see the impressive ruins of the Agora, including the remains of the porticos and the administrative buildings.
Aphrodisias is a remarkable archaeological site that offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient world. The city’s impressive structures, sculptures, and artifacts provide insights into the culture, religion, and daily life of the people who lived there. You’ll be constantly amazed by the depth of knowledge that can be gained by studying the remains of ancient cities like Aphrodisias. It is highly recommended a visit to this remarkable site to anyone who is interested in history, archaeology, or simply wants to experience the wonder of the ancient world.