Aspendos
   Photo: Aspendos

It is believed that the ancient Aspendos was founded in the fifth century BC by colonists from Argos and the founder of the city called soothsayer Pug. To avoid raids from the sea, the city built at a distance of 16 km away, on the bank of the river was still navigable Euremedon (the current name of the river - Kepryu). Aspendos was part of the Maritime Confederation Deliytsev until 425 BC. According to the historian of the time of Strabo, the Persians anchoring their ships here before the battle against the Delian League, otherwise known as the Delian Confederation. This rather large river commercial port was captured by Alexander the Great in 333 BC. When the commander arrived in Pamphylia, Aspendos residents convinced him not to take the city and instead offered 50 gold talents and a thousand horses. But they did not keep his promise, and Alexander invaded the city.

In 190 BC, after the battle of Aspendos Sipilä it became part of the Roman Empire. During this period the city reached its peak and one of the three largest cities in Pamphylia. The rapid development of the city and turning it into one of the largest shopping centers contributed to the mild climate and convenient location. Around Aspendos any olive orchards and vineyards, is minted its own silver coins. In addition, in this city, you could buy different horses. The famous port and commercial city was selling corn, jewelry and wine. But after such a rise and rise, the city, like the rest of Asia Minor, came under Byzantine rule, and gradually fell into disrepair. In VII century it was promoted by the raids of the Arabs, and in the beginning of the XIII century, Aspendos was conquered by the Seljuks and soon ceased to exist.

Now Aspendos is known for its amphitheater, built in the second century and later restored by the Seljuks .  The inscriptions engraved on stone structures in the Hellenic and Latin, saying that the theater was dedicated to the family of the Emperor and built on the donations of two brothers Crispin Curtius and Curtius Avspikata .  The impressive dimensions of the construction allowed him to hold about 17,000 spectators, and the orchestra pit was designed for 500 musicians .  In the theater, 39 series of steps, the length of 96 meters, and the distance between them is half a meter .  Above the bleachers is a beautiful arched gallery that allows the viewer to remain in the shadows, attending performances .  Opposite the amphitheater is a rectangular room, which houses the changing rooms of actors with five doorways and little space for presentations .  The wall of this room, coming out into the hall, decorated with two rows of windows .  Architect Theater Zenon designed it so that all the spectators equally well even hear whispers wafting from the scene .

The theater is the best preserved remaining ancient theaters in Turkey due to the strength of local limestone and strengthening its northern wing of the Seljuk brickwork when they converted it into a palace. Amphitheatre in some measure bears the features of Greek architecture - a semicircular shape and the seats are located on a hillside. In Roman times the theater was beautifully decorated with marble and decorated with embossed designs and sculptures. Its luxurious gallery, stage decoration, ancient ornaments and excellent acoustics still amaze visitors. The theater was only discovered in 1871, during one of his trips Count Landskonskogo on the edge. One of the most striking historical beauty of the Anatolian peninsula after the building has become a large-scale renovation in the 1950s.

It regularly hosts classical music concerts, opera and ballet productions. The acoustics of the theater is so good that allows actors to act without microphones. Such festivals usually begin in June and wish to enjoy the spectacle of so much that from Antalya to Aspendos come whole buses with people. At the theater and still come out the best opera voices of the world, symphony orchestras. For example, the band Pink Floyd took off here in the music video from the album "The Wall". Numerous concerts and shows were held in the walls of the theater until 2008, but now they are built close to Aspendos Arena. The most popular show called "Fire of Anatolia" and marks the eponymous team. All the tourist season can be seen several times a week at 10 pm.

The ruins of the Roman aqueduct that has preserved its original height, can be seen at a distance of one kilometer from the city. In ancient times, he supplied Aspendos with water. To this day it is the largest in Turkey. Its length is over 20 km.

With a history of the construction of the aqueduct and the theater of Aspendos ancient legend linked. The king of the city was very beautiful daughter, Semiramis and take her as his wife dreamed of the two architects. Then the king said he would marry her one of the candidates who will build the most magnificent building in the city. Grooms immediately set to work and completed the construction at the same time, one of them built a theater, the other - the aqueduct. Both facilities were great and really liked the king. Not knowing whom to give preference to the king suggested to divide opponents Semiramis half. The creator of the aqueduct agreed to this option, but the second architect chose to give up the beauty in favor of his opponent. King realized that the noble author of the theater loves his daughter, and she will be a wonderful husband. For this architect and married Semiramide.

Typically, after an inspection carried out theater tour guides walk through the ruins of the city. Some of these amazing and original buildings are still preserved and makes a unique impression. All the ruins of which have survived to this day refer to the Roman period. On the north side of the theater you can see the very well-preserved stadium. Between the theater and stadium visible path leading to the Acropolis. You can enter it through the eastern gate, one of the three gates of the city. Here you will see a part of the basilica, from the fact that there was only a foundation. To the right of these buildings is a small fountain, which has been preserved only the front part. Massive construction occurring on the way to the theater by the river Eurimedon, were once baths and gymnasium.

If we go on to the controller Kopryuchay river, then across the river, you will notice a lot of restaurants. They serve mainly tourists, and have a rich and varied menu. There should definitely taste the meat, chicken or fish fries. A little further away picnic grounds, equipped with tables and stoves.

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