The remains of the ancient town can be visited
Ancient BuildingSerik
Ancient City Aspendos-Theatre
The ancient Theater of Aspendos, an outstanding example of Roman architecture, is located near Serik in the Turkish province of Antalya. It is one of the best-preserved theaters of antiquity and bears witness to the former importance of Aspendos as a flourishing trading center.
History+
According to Greek tradition, Aspendos was founded by settlers from Peloponnesian Argos in the 12th century BC, with the seer Mopsos considered a co-founder. Coin finds from the 5th to 3rd centuries BC bearing the inscription "Estwediiys" suggest a possible Hittite origin for the name. The city experienced a turbulent history under Lydian, Persian, Greek, Ptolemaic, Seleucid, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk rule. In the 5th century BC, the Athenian general Kimon defeated the Persians in the Battle of Eurymedon. Aspendos reached its greatest prosperity during the Roman period, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, when it gained wealth through the export of wine, oil, salt, and horses. The theater itself was endowed by the Curtius brothers and built by the architect Zenon during the imperial era under Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD). Its excellent preservation is also due to its use as a caravanserai by the Seljuks in the Middle Ages, who continuously maintained it.
Location+
The ancient city of Aspendos is located in the Akdeniz (Mediterranean) region of Turkey, approximately 5 km east of Serik in the Antalya district. The site is situated at an elevation of about 39 m above sea level.
On site+
Today, visitors can explore the impressive remains of the ancient city of Aspendos. The Roman theater is particularly well-preserved, with a fully intact stage building that was once richly decorated. It could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators. In addition to the theater, other Roman architectural remains such as market halls, a nymphaeum, and a bouleuterion can be found on the acropolis hill. A remarkably well-preserved aqueduct, which ensured the water supply, is also still visible. The upper city is partially accessible via dirt paths.
Nearby+
- Ancient City of Side-Vespasian Gate (Ancient Buildings), approx. 27.1 km away
- Ancient City of Side-Theater (Ancient Buildings), approx. 27.2 km away
- Ancient City of Side-Aqueduct (Ancient Buildings), approx. 27.2 km away
- Ancient City of Side-Temple of Apollo (Ancient Buildings), approx. 27.2 km away
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: Daniel Pelletier
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 36.9389, 31.1723