Aspendos

Aspendos is an ancient city located within the borders of Antalya Province, in the Serik district of Türkiye. Referred to in ancient sources as one of the significant settlements of the Pamphylia Region, Aspendos is especially renowned for its theater dating back to the Roman period. Founded in the 10th century BC, Aspendos later came under the control of several civilizations.

Aspendos is located in the eastern part of Antalya, Türkiye, near the Köprüçay River (ancient Eurymedon). Its geographical location made the city a strategic center for trade and transportation. The river facilitated the inland access of maritime trade, which supported the city’s economic development.

History

Aspendos is one of the important ancient cities of the Pamphylia Region and is currently located within the boundaries of Serik district in Antalya. The history of the city dates back to the 10th century BC. Over time, it came under the rule of various civilizations.

Foundation and Early Period (10th – 5th Century BC)

Aspendos is said to have been founded by the Achaeans in the 10th century BC. According to ancient sources, during this period the city developed as one of the commercial and economic centers of the region. The transportation opportunities provided by the Köprüçay River (ancient Eurymedon) contributed to the city becoming an important center for maritime and agricultural trade in its early period.

From the 5th century BC onwards, Aspendos began to mint its own coins and was an independent city-state with its own economic power. The depictions of horses and chariots on its coins indicate that the city was known for horse breeding and chariot production.

Persian and Alexander the Great Period (5th – 4th Century BC)

In the mid-5th century BC, Aspendos came under Persian control. The Persians did not interfere in the internal affairs of cities in Pamphylia but maintained political control by collecting tribute. During this time, Aspendos continued its commercial activities and grew wealthier.

In 333 BC, during Alexander the Great’s campaign in Anatolia, Aspendos surrendered without a battle. However, when the people of the city attempted to withhold the previously agreed tribute to Alexander, he sent an army to the city, reimposed taxation, and brought Aspendos under his control.

Hellenistic Period (3rd – 2nd Century BC)

After the death of Alexander the Great, Aspendos changed hands among the Hellenistic kingdoms. The city first came under the control of the Ptolemies and then the Seleucids. During this period, it was reshaped with Hellenistic architecture and urban planning.

In the 2nd century BC, Aspendos came under the rule of the Kingdom of Pergamon. During this period, it continued to be one of the prominent cultural and commercial centers of the ancient world. In 133 BC, with the Kingdom of Pergamon becoming part of the Roman Empire, Aspendos was incorporated into Roman territory.

Roman Period (1st Century BC – 4th Century AD)

Aspendos reached its peak during the Roman Empire. In the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Aspendos Theater was built, and monumental structures, aqueducts, and other infrastructure projects were added to the city. Under Roman rule, Aspendos developed into a major trade center and maintained its economic strength through the production of grain, wine, and olive oil. It also became a hub for art and cultural activities.

Byzantine and Seljuk Period (5th – 13th Century AD)

During the Byzantine era, as the Roman Empire weakened, Aspendos began to lose its importance. From the 7th century AD onwards, the city was subjected to Arab raids and gradually shrank into a regional settlement. However, the Seljuks showed great interest in Aspendos in the 13th century, particularly restoring the theater and using it as a palace. During this time, Seljuk architectural decorations were added to the theater, and the structure was preserved up to the Ottoman period.

Architectural Structures

The ancient city of Aspendos is particularly known for its theater dating back to the Roman period. Built during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (AD 161–180), the Aspendos Theater is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Roman engineering.

Aspendos Theater

The Aspendos Theater is a unique structure combining elements of Greek and Roman theater architecture. The architect of the theater was Zenon, and the structure incorporates details characteristic of Roman theaters.

General Structure and Location

The theater was built against a natural slope and has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 people. Its location enhances both the acoustic properties and the durability of the structure. The theater is designed in a semicircular shape in accordance with Roman theater architecture and is integrated with a stage building at the rear. It consists of three main parts: the seating rows (cavea), the orchestra, and the stage building (scaenae frons).

Acoustic and Structural Features

The Aspendos Theater is renowned for its acoustics. Its engineering design ensures that sound waves are evenly distributed throughout the seating area, distinguishing it from other ancient theaters. Even today, it is reported that during performances in the theater, sound can be clearly heard from the highest rows.

To achieve acoustic success:

• The tall walls of the stage building were designed to reflect sound.
• The seating rows were built at a specific incline to carry sound upward.
• The arched structure of the theater and the front surface of the stage building were arranged to prevent echo.

Stage Building (Scaenae Frons)

One of the most striking features of the theater is its stage building. Decorated with two-story colonnades, this structure is one of the characteristic features of Roman theaters. The height of the stage building was calculated to contribute to the theater’s acoustics.

The stage building includes:

• A two-story colonnaded façade
• Doors for the entrance and exit of performers
• Decorative reliefs and architectural ornaments

Seating Area (Cavea) and Orchestra

The cavea, or seating area, was built in a semicircle, leaning against the natural slope. The seating rows are divided into lower and upper sections and are arranged in accordance with Roman theater design.

• The orchestra is semicircular and harmonizes with the stage building.
• As in other Roman theaters, a large part of the orchestra was reserved for stage performances.
• Seating areas were arranged based on social hierarchy. The front rows were reserved for high-ranking officials and important individuals, while the upper rows were designated for the public.

Use and Restoration of the Theater

During the Roman period, the Aspendos Theater was used not only for theatrical performances but also for gladiator fights and festivals. Its use declined during the Byzantine period but was restored in the 13th century by the Seljuks and used as a palace. Seljuk-era decorative additions were made to the theater, and the structure continued to be used for various purposes, remaining well-preserved.

Other Architectural Structures in Aspendos

Aspendos is noteworthy not only for its theater but also for its other monumental structures from the Roman period. The city had a well-developed infrastructure, supported by constructions such as aqueducts and the agora.

Aqueducts

One of the most significant architectural structures in Aspendos is its aqueducts, which demonstrate the sophistication of Roman engineering. Built to supply the city’s water needs, these aqueducts are considered among the most successful systems of water transportation in the ancient world. Thanks to these aqueducts, Aspendos was able to meet its drinking water needs and supply water to public buildings such as baths and fountains.

Agora and Stoa

The Agora, the center of commerce and social life in Aspendos, was one of the most important areas of the city. Surrounding the agora were shops related to trade, temples, and stoas (covered walkways).

Features of the Agora:

• It was one of the busiest areas of urban life.
• Served as a center for trade and social gatherings.
• It was a place where public announcements were made and political meetings were held.

Monumental Fountain and Temples

The city also contains monumental fountains (nymphaea) and temples. These structures were built to emphasize the sacredness of water sources and to provide public services.

The temples offer important insights into the religious life of Aspendos. One of the most significant temples in the city was a sacred area dedicated to Roman deities.

Economy and Trade

Aspendos was one of the major commercial centers of the Pamphylia region. It was especially known for the production of olive oil, grain, and wine. The city’s connection to maritime trade via the Köprüçay (Eurymedon) River supported its economic development.

In addition, Aspendos coins are significant evidence of the city’s economic power and independence. Minted from the 5th century BC onward, these coins frequently depict horses and chariots, indicating that the city was famous for horse breeding and chariot production.

Cultural and Artistic Life

Aspendos was significant not only in terms of commerce and architecture but also for its artistic and cultural activities. During the Roman period, the theater was used for festivals, performances, and gladiator fights. In the Seljuk period, it was restored and repurposed as a palace building.

A statue of Hermes found in the city is an important artifact that reflects the artistic aspect of Aspendos.