Aphrodisias/Col. Flaviopolis

Aphrodisias is an important ancient city located in the Carian region of Western Anatolia, in the valley of the Dandalas River. It is particularly renowned for its magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, its world-famous school of sculpture, and its privileged relationship with the Roman Empire. Today, this city, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, hosts significant remains that showcase the artistic and cultural richness of antiquity.

History

The history of settlement in Aphrodisias and its surroundings extends back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, a testament to the region's fertile agricultural structure. The emergence of the city as an organized settlement coincides with the Hellenistic Period, during which it began to take shape around the cult of Aphrodite. During the Roman Imperial period, particularly in the 1st century BCE, it gained significant privileges due to its support for Rome during the Mithridatic Wars. Under the personal patronage of Emperor Augustus, the city acquired important rights such as tax exemptions and the right of asylum (asylia) for its sacred precinct. Its brief adoption of the name "Colonia Flaviopolis" in the 1st century CE indicates the city's strong ties with Rome and a possible colonization process. The 2nd and 3rd centuries CE marked a golden age for Aphrodisias; during this period, monumental structures were erected, and its school of sculpture reached its zenith. In Late Antiquity, with the spread of Christianity, the Temple of Aphrodite was converted into a church, and the city's name was changed to "Stauropolis" (City of the Cross). The city began to decline during the Byzantine period and was eventually abandoned around the 12th century CE due to Arab raids and regional instability.

Geographic Location

Aphrodisias is situated in the southwest of Western Anatolia, within the ancient region of Caria, specifically within the borders of the modern Karacasu district of Aydın province. The city was founded in the fertile valley of the Dandalas River (modern Akçay), one of the significant tributaries of the Maeander River. This location, surrounded by the Salbakos (Babadağ) Mountains to the north and the Messogis Mountains to the south, provided the city with both natural protection and agricultural wealth. Furthermore, the rich marble quarries located at the foothills of Mount Salbakos, immediately adjacent to the city, formed the foundation of Aphrodisias's success in sculpture and architecture. Despite not being directly on the major trade routes connecting Inner Anatolia to the Aegean coast, its relative proximity to these routes and its natural resources allowed it to become a regional center.

Significance in Antiquity

The significance of Aphrodisias in antiquity can be examined from multiple perspectives. From a religious standpoint, the city's name is directly synonymous with the goddess Aphrodite. The Aphrodite worshipped here was a syncretic fusion of the ancient Greek goddess and a local Anatolian mother goddess, and her temple was an important cult center attracting pilgrims from across the Mediterranean world. Economically, the marble quarries immediately adjacent to the city transformed Aphrodisias into a major center for marble production and processing. Finished marble and sculptures were exported throughout the Mediterranean basin. Politically, its special and privileged relationship with the Roman Empire ensured the city's autonomous status and prosperous development. Under the patronage of Augustus, Aphrodisias amply reaped the rewards of its loyalty to Rome. In the cultural and artistic spheres, Aphrodisias hosted one of the most renowned schools of sculpture in the Roman world. The city's sculptors excelled particularly in portraiture and mythological scenes, adorning many corners of the Roman Empire with their works. This school was a crucial part of the city's aesthetic and intellectual identity.

Coinage

Aphrodisias was an important city in antiquity, possessing a highly active mint. Coinage commenced from the Hellenistic Period and continued until the late Roman Imperial period. Hellenistic coins typically featured depictions of the local goddess Aphrodite or symbols associated with the city's foundation myths. With the transition to Roman rule, from the 1st century BCE onwards, the city reflected its close ties with Rome and its privileged status on its coinage.

During the Imperial period, the Aphrodisias mint was highly productive. The obverses of the coins typically featured portraits of the reigning emperors, empresses, or members of the imperial family. This demonstrated the city's loyalty to Rome and its emphasis on the imperial cult. The reverses of the coins, however, were quite diverse and reflected the city's rich cultural and religious life. One of the most frequently encountered reverse types is the cult statue of Aphrodite of Aphrodisias, the city's chief goddess. Furthermore, the city's monumental structures such as the Temple of Aphrodite, the stadium, the theater, and the agora were also depicted on the coins. Local deities (Zeus, Dionysus), personifications (Tyche – the goddess representing city fortune), and mythological scenes also frequently appear. The mint primarily struck bronze coins, which played a significant role in the city's internal economy and regional trade. Coinage also functioned as a propaganda tool, emphasizing the city's unique identity and conveying social messages.

Archaeological Remains

Today, Aphrodisias stands as one of the best-preserved and most impressive ancient cities in Anatolia. Visitors can observe the remains of numerous monumental structures that reveal the city's splendor during its golden age. The Temple of Aphrodite, central to the city, despite being later converted into a large church, still stands with its impressive columns. The Aphrodisias Stadium, one of the best-preserved stadiums in the ancient world, is notable for its capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators and hosted athletic events and gladiatorial contests. The Theater was used for both plays and council meetings, and in later periods, additions transformed it into an amphitheater. The Agora served as the center of the city's social and commercial life, while the structure known as the Odeon or Bouleuterion was used for small concerts and city council meetings. The Hadrianic Baths and the monumental Tetrapylon (four-gated arch) adorning the city's entrance are elegant examples of Roman architecture. The rich sculptural works and other finds excavated from the city are exhibited in the Aphrodisias Museum, located within the archaeological site.

Today

Today, Aphrodisias is located within the boundaries of Geyre Neighborhood, Karacasu district, Aydın province. The ancient city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, thereby gaining international status as a cultural heritage site worthy of preservation. Considered one of Turkey's most important archaeological sites, Aphrodisias welcomes thousands of domestic and foreign tourists annually. Access to the city is generally provided by road from Aydın or Denizli provinces. As regular public transport options are limited, visitors are advised to opt for private vehicles or tour buses.