Aspendos

From Turkey Travel Guide

Aspendos

Aspendos by masterplaan

Coordinates 36°56′N 31°10′E

Town

Antalya

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Aspendos.jpg Aspendos http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterplaan/2535946463/ masterplaan

Location of Aspendos within Turkey.

[edit] History

Aspendos, according to tradition, was founded in 1000 BC by Greek settlers, probably coming from Argos after the Trojan War. Other legends suggest that the city originally had Hittite roots. Located near the Mediterranean Sea on the Eurymedon River, it bordered on its rival Side. By 500 BC, it was the prominent city of its region, Pamphylia, producing its own silver currency and a leader in trade in wool, oil, and salt. The Persians ruled the city from 500-600, and Alexander the Great reneged on an earlier agreement and took over the city in 333. After his death, the city came under rule by the Seleucids, the kings of Pergamum, and the Romans. The Roman period saw the creation of the greatest monuments in the city, including the famous amphitheater, basilica, agora, and aqueduct.

[edit] Visitor's Guide

From the amphitheater a trail goes in two directions. The one labeled Theater Hill takes visitors up to the top of the amphitheater, certainly the highlight of the site. The branch to the left leads down to the aqueduct, 15 kilometers of which survive. On the way, it passes through most of the other significant structures, although little remains to be seen of them. First is the Basilica, built over the ruins of the Agora. Just north lies what is left of the Nymphaeum, an artificial fountain built to honor the nymphs. Beyond that is the citizens' council hall, or Bouleuteion. In the west was the acropolis, and in the east the stadium remains partially intact. Along the path to the aqueduct also lie remains of medieval buildings, and west of it are a few graves.

[edit] Getting there

From Antalya, a taxi tour can include neighboring Perge and will cost about 100 lira.

Alternatively, take a dolmus from Antalya to Manavgat, asking to be let off at the Aspendos exit. The walk is about four kilometers, but there may be taxis available for about 15 lira.

[edit] Eat & Drink

Several small restaurants are located just south of the site. There are others between the ruins and the highway that may be more convenient but more crowded and industrial.

[edit] External links

http://www.antalya.org/listingview.php?listingID=49

http://www.adiyamanli.org/aspendos.html