Aydın Aphrodisias

The ancient city of Aphrodisias, which has been on the World Cultural Heritage List since 2017, dates back to the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages (mid-5th millennium BC - 3rd millennium BC). During this period, a small agricultural settlement was established on two mounds (Pekmez Hill and Theatre Hill). From the end of the Bronze Age (around 1200 BC) until the founding of the city (early 2nd century BC), a small settlement concentrated on Theatre Hill is known to have existed. Aphrodisias was founded as a Greek city-state in the early 2nd century BC, during the Hellenistic period, with the encouragement of the Seleucid kings centered in Syria. In the 1st century BC, it emerged as a loyal friend of Rome. Due to its loyalty, it was rewarded with various privileges (autonomy, exemption from taxes, and the right of refuge in its sacred area) by the Roman Senate in 39 BC. These privileges formed the basis of the city's future prosperity. The construction of public buildings in Aphrodisias began with the arrival of Julius Zoilus in 39 BC. Throughout the 1st century AD, the structures initiated by Zoilus were completed, and the construction of other new monumental buildings was started. The ancient city of Aphrodisias, which has been on the World Cultural Heritage List since 2017, dates back to the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages (mid-5th millennium BC - 3rd millennium BC). During this period, a small agricultural settlement was established on two mounds (Pekmez Hill and Theater Hill). From the end of the Bronze Age (around 1200 BC) until the founding of the city (early 2nd century BC), a small settlement concentrated on Theater Hill is known to have existed. Aphrodisias was founded as a Greek city-state in the early 2nd century BC, during the Hellenistic period, with the encouragement of the Seleucid kings centered in Syria. In the 1st century BC, it emerged as a loyal friend of Rome. Due to its loyalty, it was rewarded with various privileges (autonomy, exemption from taxes, and the right of refuge in its sacred area) by the Roman Senate in 39 BC. These privileges formed the basis of the city's future prosperity. The construction of public buildings in Aphrodisias began with the arrival of Julius Zoilus in 39 BC. Throughout the 1st century AD, the structures initiated by Zoilus were completed, and the construction of other new monumental buildings was started. As a provincial capital, Aphrodisias experienced a longer and more intense period of twilight than many other cities. During the Middle Byzantine period, Aphrodisias reverted to a lifestyle similar to the pre-Roman era. It became a small settlement centered on and connected to a rural sanctuary (the Temple of Aphrodite, now St. Michael's Cathedral) on the Theater Hill. Aphrodisias survived as a small Byzantine cathedral city, residing with a bishop, until the cathedral burned down around 1200 and the population decreased significantly. From the 13th century onwards, a Turkish village called 'Karia' (Geyre) was established and began to grow in the same area. Monumental Structures at the Aphrodisias Archaeological Site: Temple of Aphrodite, Tetrapylon, Stadium, Odeon, School of Philosophy, Bishop's Palace, Hadrian's Baths, Portico of Tiberius, Agora, Basilica, Theater and Baths, Tetrastoon, Sebasteion, Martyrion.