5 Aphrodisias

It’s a short drive to our next stop
Founded in the 2nd century BC, Aphrodisias began as a small settlement in the Hellenistic period and became one of the region’s major centers. Dedicated to Aphrodite, the Temple of Aphrodite had existed since the 3rd century BC .

With it ties with the Roman Empire, Aphrodisias was granted privileges . Emperor Augustus placed Aphrodisias under his protection. The Roman Senate granted the city tax exemption and autonomy so the city prospered and because it was close to rich marble quarries, was recognised for its sculpture school

Sculptors from the city were famous throughout the Roman Empire.. In this period they were the best carvers of marble statues of their day.

It reached its peak during the Roman era in the 1st and 2nd centuries and it remained important until the 6th century.

But with the spread of
monotheism, Aphrodisias lost its prominence and the city steadily shrank.

Middle Ages, earthquakes and shifting trade routes led to the city’s abandonment and not
rediscovered until the mid-20th century

The city streets are arranged around several large civic structures, which include temples, a theatre, an agora and two bath complexes.
One of the city’s most important structure is the Temple of Aphrodite, built for the goddess believed to protect Aphrodisias. The entrance is through the Tetrapylon, a monumental gate with sixteen reconstructed columns now stand again.

The Cult of Aphrodite was the most important cult of Aphrodisias. The sanctuary at Aphrodisias had a distinctive cult statue of Aphrodite which defined the city’s identity.

Nearby, the ancient theater rises along the slope with space for tens of thousands of spectators
Then there is the stadium. Vast, elliptical, and remarkably intact. With a capacity of around thirty thousand, it was one of the largest stadiums of the ancient world..

The Sebasteion, the city’s most impressive structure and a tribute to the Emperors is a multi-level building façade with mythological reliefs and sculptures set between columns - sone fantastic marble reliefs.

A good morning especially as the rain is approaching , time for lunch and then a longish drive to our hotel.

Camlik, home of Camlik Railway Museum, which houses one of Europe's largest steam train collections- nuff said !

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