Who built Aspendos?
architect Zenon
Aspendos is known for having the best-preserved theatre of antiquity. With a diameter of 96 metres (315 ft), it provided seating for 12,000. It was built in 155 by the Greek architect Zenon, a native of the city.
When was Aspendos built?
2nd century CE
Aspendos’ theater is one of the largest ever built by the Romans in Asia Minor, and today it is one of the best preserved examples of Roman theater architecture. Located in the lower town area of the site, the theater was built in the 2nd century CE, during Marcus Aurelius’ reign, by an architect called Zenon.
Where is Aspendos?
Antalya, Turkey
The Aspendos Theater is located in the ancient city of Aspendos, about 25 miles east of the modern city of Antalya, Turkey. Most people visit Aspendos on a tour from Antalya or Side, which includes the theater and other ancient structures nearby.
What was Turkey called in Roman times?
Anatolia
Called Asia Minor (Lesser Asia) by the Romans, the land is the Asian part of modern Turkey, across Thrace. It lies across the Aegean Sea to the east of Greece and is usually known by its ancient name Anatolia.
What was Aspendos Theatre used for?
Aspendos Roman Theatre today Today the Aspendos Theatre is still used for wrestling, live music concerts or dance shows. The lines of marble seats are built like the rings of an onion, in a perfect semicircle.
What is the significance of Aspendos in ancient Greece?
The wide range of its coinage throughout the ancient world indicates that, in the 5th century BC, Aspendos had become the most important city in Pamphylia. At that time, according to Thucydides, the Eurymedon River was navigable as far as Aspendos, and the city derived great wealth from a trade in salt, oil and wool.
What is Aspendos Theatre in Istanbul famous for?
The theatre hosts the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival organized by Turkish State Opera and Ballet since 1994, with international participation of opera and ballet companies and an audience of about 10,000. Dalida held her last concert there on 28 April 1987.
How did Aspendos become so rich?
At that time, according to Thucydides, the Eurymedon River was navigable as far as Aspendos, and the city derived great wealth from a trade in salt, oil and wool. Aspendos did not play an important role in antiquity as a political force.
Why did Alexander the Great not garrison the city of Aspendos?
When Alexander the Great marched into Aspendos in 333 BC after capturing Perge, the citizens sent envoys asking him not to garrison soldiers there. He agreed, provided he would be given the taxes and horses that they had formerly paid as tribute to the Persian king.