Photos of the Spectacular Ancient Aspendos Roman Theatre

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Photos of Ancient Aspendos Roman Theatre the best preserved theatre from antiquity, Turkey. Photos by Photographer Paul E Williams.(TIP – use the icons below the slideshow for thumbnail photos and info)

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Photos of the Complete Ancient Aspendos Roman Theatre

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Photos of the incredible Roman theatre of Aspendos, Turkey.

Aspendos History

In ancient times Aspendos was conquered and re-conquered by the Ancient Greek Spartans then the Persians. The Persians were then defeated in 333 BC by Alexander the Great. By 133 B.C Aspendos was ruled by the King of Pergamon Attalus III. When he died without an heir he left the Kingdom of Pergamon to the Roman Empire.

Aspendos Theatre Design

Following Hellenistic traditions the theatre is built into the hillside below the Acropolis with a backdrop wall that is still intact. The rest of the building design is Roman with roman architectural features.

Best Preserved Ancient Theatre

Aspendos Theatre is the best-preserved Ancient Roman theatre of antiquity. With a diameter of 96 metres (315 ft), it provided seating for 7,000. Aspendos Theatre was built in 155 by the Greek architect Zenon, a native of the city. The Byzantine Romans used the theatre until they lost Aspendos to the Seljuq Turks, who used Aspendos as a caravanserai for the camel trains working the Silk Route.. In the 13th century the stage and theatre building of Aspendos was converted into a palace by the Seljuqs of Rum.

Aspendos International Opera Festival

or 2000 years little damage has been done to Aspendos When Ataturk , founder of modern day Turkey, visited Aspendos he was so impressed with its preservation that he pronounced that the theatre should be protected. He also decreed that it should be used for performances so today it hosts the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.