Sagalassos Ancient City

Sagalassos is an ancient city of Pisidia located within the boundaries of Ağlasun district in Burdur province, in the Mediterranean Region of present-day Türkiye. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1500 meters above sea level at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, the city is recognized as one of Anatolia’s most important ancient settlements due to its natural defensive advantages, advanced water infrastructure, rich architecture, and abundant archaeological findings.

Sagalassos Ancient City - Sagalossos Foundation

History

The settlement history of Sagalassos extends as far back as the 3rd millennium BCE, but the city gained its principal significance after Alexander the Great conquered the region in 334 BCE. It subsequently came under the rule of the Seleucids, the Kingdom of Pergamon, and finally the Roman Empire. During the Roman period, particularly under Emperor Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE), it acquired the title “Metropolis of Pisidia” and became a regional center. This era witnessed intensive construction activity, with the city enriched by theaters, agoras, baths, fountains, monuments, and temples.

Settlement continued during the Byzantine period, but from the 7th century CE onward, the city lost its importance due to Arab raids, earthquakes, and the destruction of its water sources. Although small settlements are believed to have persisted until the 13th century, the city was eventually abandoned entirely.

Geographical Location and Strategic Importance

Sagalassos is situated on a high plateau dominating the Ağlasun Valley. This location provided the city with natural defensive advantages, while its proximity to abundant water sources enabled a sustainable living environment. Moreover, its position along major trade routes connecting Pamphylia (modern Antalya) with Central Anatolia enhanced its economic and strategic value in antiquity.

Architectural and Archaeological Features

Sagalassos houses some of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in Anatolia. Since 1990, excavations led by the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium have uncovered numerous structures, establishing the site as a major reference in archaeological literature. The city’s most notable structures include:

• Antonine Fountain (Nymphaeum): Dating to the 2nd century CE, this monumental fountain was erected in honor of the Roman Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. It is remarkable for its hydraulic engineering and sculptural decoration.
• Theater: With a seating capacity of 9000, it is one of the largest theaters in Pisidia. Dating to the Roman period, it remains largely intact today.
• Lower and Upper Agoras: These served as the social, political, and economic centers of the city, surrounded by fountains, shops, and monuments.
• Bath Complex: A large public building from the Roman period, the baths reflect the city’s water usage and social life.
• Heroa and Monuments: Numerous heroa (hero shrines) have been found in the city. These were commemorative structures erected in honor of local elites.
• Churches and Byzantine Structures: Basilica-style churches from the late Roman and early Byzantine periods are significant indicators of the city’s prolonged occupation.

Antonine Fountain (Nymphaeum) - Turkish Museums

Water Systems and Infrastructure

Sagalassos is notable for its rich water resources and sophisticated engineering systems. Aqueducts, storage facilities, channels, and monumental fountains ensured the population’s water supply. Research has demonstrated that the city’s water systems were technologically advanced for their time.

Society and Economy

During the Roman period, the presence of a wealthy aristocratic class is evident from surviving luxury residences and private baths. The economy was based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and ceramic production. In particular, the high-quality ceramics produced in Sagalassos demonstrate the city’s integration into the Mediterranean trade network. It is known that goods manufactured in its workshops were exported to various regions of the Roman Empire.

Environmental factors are believed to have played a major role in the abandonment of Sagalassos. Major earthquakes in the 6th century CE, epidemics (likely the Plague of Justinian), climate change, and damage to the water infrastructure collectively led to the end of urban life in the city.