Turkey In Photos - Aspendos

Aspendos is in existence from the 5th century BC and was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (2nd century B.C.) by a renowned architect named Zenon. A parallel historical account shows that Aspendos was actually built by Mopsus in the 13th century BC. However in the 6th century Aspendos came under Lydian rule but was soon conquered by the Persians. Two centuries later Alexander the Great conquered Aspendos.  Later with the Roman Empire rising in power, Aspendos became inclined to Rome. In fact, Aspendos was an important port during the Roman dominance with Koprucay acting as the channel for transportation.  According to the records Aspendos was under the Seljuk control soon after.

Aspendos is one of the best preserved theaters in the world. The stage, auditorium and arcade above are all intact, as is the several storey-high stage building and what you see today  is pretty much what the audience saw during the Aspendos theater's heyday.  With 0.50 m. for each seat, Aspendos holds 7000 spectators, with an additional 500 for the orchestra. Aspendos theater, which is still occasionally used for the staging of various events (also acting), was built in the 2nd century by the architect Zeno.  He used a Roman rather than Greek design with an eloborate stage behind which the scenery could be lowered.

After visiting the theater many visitors leave Aspendos.  In fact there is much more to see ob the hill above.  A path near the Aspendos theater leads to the Aspendos acropolis which is built on a flat-topped hill.  A number of substantial buildings are still in place, nemaly the nympheum and basilica, both 16 meters high.  To the north of Aspendos acropolis, on the plain below,  a Roman aqueduct 15 kilometers long lies.   Aspendos is only 30 minutes drive away from Antalya.