Türkiye is renowned for its rich history and numerous archaeological sites. Among its many wonders, the ancient city of Aphrodisias stands as a unique testament to the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love, Aphrodisias is a treasure trove of historical gems waiting to be explored. The city’s origins date back to prehistoric settlements around 5000 BCE. Aphrodisias, which was a small village in the 6th century BCE, began to transform with the establishment of the first Aphrodite temple during this period. It wasn’t until the 2nd century BCE that a grid-planned city was built, housing an estimated 15,000 people.

The Highlights of the City

Aphrodisias stands out as a remarkable illustration of the urban landscape of a Greco-Roman city situated in the interior of Asia Minor. Among its impressive array of marble structures, several exhibit distinctive qualities in their architectural design. The Sebasteion, an intricate religious complex dedicated to the veneration of Augustus and the Julio-Claudian emperors, exemplifies a unique fusion of artistic traditions from Hellenistic, Roman, and the local Aphrodisian cultures.

Aphrodisias is a city that truly showcases the architectural mastery of the Roman era. The city’s stadium is a marvel of ancient engineering, standing as one of the best-preserved Roman stadia in the world. This mᴀssive structure, which could hold up to 30,000 spectators, was the venue for thrilling chariot races and athletic compeтιтions. Walking through its rows of stone seats, you can almost hear the echoes of cheering crowds and feel the adrenaline of ancient games.

Just as impressive is the city’s theatre, a structure that truly attests to the vibrant cultural life of Aphrodisias. With a capacity for 8,000 spectators, the theatre showcases intricate reliefs and well-preserved stage buildings. The theater’s ‘Archive Wall’ houses a meticulously maintained ᴀssortment of official imperial records detailing the city’s standing during the Empire’s rule. Within the Theater, you can also find an early instance of a stage structure adorned with an aediculated facade. The semi-circular orchestra, the skene with its majestic facade, and the tiered seating area all contribute to the grandeur of this structure. Sitting in the audience seats, one can easily imagine the theatrical performances, music concerts, and public meetings that once took place here.

The transformation of the Temple of Aphrodite into a cathedral around AD 500 is unparalleled in its engineering ingenuity and profound impact. Furthermore, the Tetrapylon, serving as the prominent gateway to the outer Sanctuary of Aphrodite, has been meticulously preserved, showcasing its intricate and beautifully sculpted architectural embellishments.

The Aphrodite of Aphrodisias

The Cult of Aphrodite held a paramount significance in Aphrodisias. The sanctuary situated in Aphrodisias featured a distinctive cult statue of Aphrodite, serving as a defining symbol for the city. This representation of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias blended elements of a local Anatolian, archaic fertility goddess with those of the Hellenic Aphrodite, the goddess ᴀssociated with love and beauty. This iconic image extended its influence across Anatolia, throughout the Mediterranean region, reaching as far as the city of Rome and the Levant. The prominence of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias persisted long after the official adoption of Christianity, with the temple only transitioning into a church around AD 500.

Sculpting Excellence

The close proximity of marble quarries to the city played a pivotal role in establishing Aphrodisias as an exceptional center for producing high-quality marble sculptures. Sculptors hailing from Aphrodisias earned widespread renown throughout the Roman Empire. They achieved fame for their masterful portrait sculptures and statues in the Hellenistic style, often depicting gods and Dionysian figures. During the late antiquity period, spanning from the 4th to the 6th centuries AD, Aphrodisian sculptors were in high demand for crafting marble portrait busts and statues of emperors, governors, and philosophers in prominent imperial hubs such as Sardis, Stratonikeia, Laodikeia, Constantinople, and Rome. During this era, they were regarded as the premier marble statue carvers of their time. The utilization of innovative techniques, the exceptional quality of local artistic design, and the production of sophisticated portrait sculptures solidified Aphrodisias’ unique standing within the Roman world.

Aphrodisias Museum: A Glimpse into Ancient Artistry

Aphrodisias Museum, one of Western Anatolia’s most extraordinary museums, showcases artefacts discovered during local excavations. The museum offers a remarkable insight into the ancient city’s sculpting school and artistic prowess.

Upon entering, you’re greeted by tondo busts of renowned ancient philosophers and statesmen. The museum then unfolds into several halls, each showcasing distinct treasures. These include imperial and portrait statues, a unique sarcophagus depicting the seasons, and reliefs from the tomb of the city’s second founder, Zoilos.

Further exploration reveals the Melpomene hall, housing statues of statesmen, Melpomene – the muse of tragedy, and Apollo. The Odeon hall presents statues of a boxer and seated artists alongside an enlightening display of unfinished sculptures, providing a rare look at the stages and techniques of ancient sculpture-making.

The cult statue of Aphrodite, the city’s principal deity, is a must to see. Surrounding her are statues representing important figures, including the high priest of Aphrodite’s Temple and his wife, priests from Emperor Constantine’s period, and Demos, representing the city’s populace.

Walking Through History

A visit to Aphrodisias is indeed a walk through history. As you wander through the city’s ruins, the ancient world comes alive. You can imagine the hustle and bustle of the city’s agora, the reverence of pilgrims at the Temple of Aphrodite, and the excitement of spectators at the stadium and theatre. The city’s ruins, each stone imbued with tales of the past, connect you with the gods, goddesses, and ordinary citizens who once inhabited this place. Discovering the enigmatic ruins of Aphrodisias offers a unique journey into Türkiye’s rich historical tapestry. Each stone, statue, and structure narrates a story waiting to be heard by curious explorers.