Aspendos, Archaeological site in Serik, Turkey
Aspendos is an ancient city near Serik with a striking Roman theater as its centerpiece. The stage building rises about 30 meters (98 feet) high, and the seating area is divided into two sections by a walkway, with the entire structure remarkably well preserved and still standing in its original form.
The settlement was founded around 1000 BCE by Greeks from Argos and grew into a major trading hub for salt, oil, and wool in ancient Pamphylia. The famous theater was built later under Roman rule, reflecting the wealth the city had accumulated through commerce.
The Roman theater here was built to host large crowds and still functions for modern performances, with acoustics so precise that sound carries naturally to every seat. Visitors can witness how the original design continues to work flawlessly for events today.
The site opens daily at 8:30 AM until 7:00 PM, with guides available at the entrance in several languages. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as the grounds offer little shade and the sun can be intense, especially during midday hours.
The water system used inverted siphons and stone pipes to move water across valleys, showcasing advanced Roman engineering from that era. This underground network allowed the growing population to receive a steady water supply despite the challenging terrain.
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