Perge, one of the most important cities of ancient Pamphylia, was, according to legend, founded by Greek heroes after the Trojan War. The city, also known as one of the early Christian centers due to St. Paul's preaching, particularly distinguished itself with the cult of Artemis Pergaia and minted coins depicting this goddess. With its monumental architecture, impressive urban planning during the Roman period, and as the birthplace of the mathematician Apollonius of Perge, it became one of the significant centers of the ancient world.

History

The foundation of Perge is, according to legends, attributed to the Greek heroes Mopsus and Calchas, who came to Anatolia after the Trojan War. The city's history may extend back to the 2nd millennium BCE; it is possible that the name "Parha" mentioned in Hittite texts is associated with Perge, but definitive evidence for this is lacking. Perge came under the rule of the Persian Empire in the 6th century BCE and was conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE. In the Hellenistic period following Alexander's death, the city changed hands between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms, experiencing significant development during this process. Perge came under the influence of the Roman Empire from the 2nd century BCE onwards and was fully incorporated into the Roman provincial system in the 1st century BCE. During the Roman period, particularly between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE, the city experienced its golden age, being adorned with monumental structures and becoming one of Pamphylia's most splendid cities. In the early centuries of Christianity, with the visit and preaching of the Apostles Paul and Barnabas in 46 CE, Perge became an important center for early Christianity. The city maintained its importance during the Byzantine period but gradually began to be abandoned from the 7th century CE onwards due to Arab raids and natural disasters.

Geographic Location

Perge is located in the ancient region of Pamphylia, within the borders of the modern Aksu district of Antalya province. The city was founded on the fertile Pamphylian plain, approximately 15-20 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean coast, on the west bank of the Kestros River (modern Aksu River). This strategic location provided Perge with strong connections both to the interior regions via the river and to the coastline and neighboring cities via land routes. The fertile lands irrigated by the Kestros River formed the basis of the city's agricultural wealth. Among Perge's neighbors were important Pamphylian cities such as Attaleia (Antalya) to its west, and Sillyon and Aspendos to its east. This geographic location ensured the city's advantageous position for both defense and trade, thus allowing it to maintain its existence as a regional power throughout antiquity.

Significance in Antiquity

Perge was considered one of the most important economic, political, and religious centers of the Pamphylia region in antiquity. The city's fertile lands and its potential for trade between the interior regions and Mediterranean ports via the Kestros River formed the foundation of its economic prosperity. Although not the capital of Pamphylia, it held political weight as one of the region's leading cities and had a say in regional administration during the Roman period. Religiously, Perge held great significance, particularly as the cult center of its principal goddess, Artemis Pergaia. The Temple of Artemis Pergaia was an important place of worship not only for the local populace but also for pilgrims from all over Pamphylia and beyond. The place of this cult in the city's identity is clearly visible through the depictions of the goddess on the minted coins. Furthermore, with the visit of the Apostle Paul during the early spread of Christianity, Perge acquired a special place in early Christian history. Culturally and scientifically, Perge is notable as the birthplace of the famous mathematician and astronomer Apollonius of Perge, who lived in the 3rd century BCE. Apollonius was renowned for his work on conic sections and is considered one of the greatest mathematicians of the ancient world.

Coinage

Perge was an important city in antiquity with the authority to mint its own coinage. The city's coinage occurred over a broad period, extending from the Hellenistic era to the Roman Imperial period. One of the most frequently encountered depictions on Perge's coins is that of Artemis Pergaia, the city's principal goddess and protectress. The goddess is typically depicted in a long chiton, holding a bow in one hand and a stag or scepter in the other. These depictions clearly reveal the city's religious identity and the importance it placed on the cult of Artemis.

In the Hellenistic period, particularly on coins minted under Seleucid and Ptolemaic rule, portraits of the kings of the era can be seen alongside the local goddess. During the Roman Imperial period, Perge produced local coins (Roman Provincial coinage) bearing the portraits of emperors, typically minted in bronze. On the reverses of these coins, in addition to Artemis Pergaia, various motifs such as the river god representing the Kestros River, temples, monumental city structures, or symbols representing the city council were also featured. The inscriptions on the coins were generally in Greek, with the city's name indicated as "ΠΕΡΓΑΙΩΝ" (Pergaiōn) or "ΠΕΡΓΗΣ" (Pergēs). Furthermore, on coins minted during the Roman period, the names and titles of the emperors of the era, along with the names of local magistrates, can be found. Perge's coinage provides valuable numismatic information about the city's economic power, religious beliefs, political status, and cultural identity. These coins also constitute an important part of the overall numismatic heritage of the Pamphylia region.

Archaeological Remains

Today, the ancient city of Perge hosts remarkably well-preserved and impressive archaeological remains. One of the city's most striking features is its monumental urban planning from the Roman period. The colonnaded main street runs through the city center and is notable for its central water channel; this channel was part of an aqueduct system that brought water to the city from the Taurus Mountains. At the city's entrance, there is a monumental gate complex with two towers dating from the Hellenistic period; this gate was later embellished with arches and expanded during the Roman period.

One of Perge's most magnificent structures is its stadium, with a capacity of 12,000 spectators, making it one of the largest and best-preserved stadiums in the ancient world. This stadium hosted gladiatorial contests and various athletic competitions. The city also features a theater that has survived to the present day in remarkably good condition, complete with its stage building and seating tiers. Roman baths, the agora (market), monumental fountains (nymphaea), and various temple remains also showcase Perge's rich architectural heritage. The acropolis and necropolis areas are also important regions that shed light on the city's history.

Today

The ancient city of Perge is located today in southwestern Turkey, within the borders of the Aksu district of Antalya province. It is situated approximately 17 kilometers east of Antalya city center and is quite close to modern transportation networks. Perge is one of Turkey's significant archaeological sites, attracting thousands of local and international visitors each year. Visitors can easily reach Perge from Antalya by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. The remains of the ancient city are arranged as an open-air museum, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the magnificent urban life of the Roman period. Excavation and restoration efforts are still ongoing, revealing new information and structures about the city.