Aspendos Theatre
Mediterranean Region
Aspendos Theatre, located in the ancient city of Aspendos in Turkey's Antalya province, is celebrated as the best-preserved Roman theatre of antiquity. Built in 155 AD by the Greek architect Zenon, a native of the city, it originally seated approximately 7,000 spectators, though modern events have accommodated over 20,000. The theatre's design cleverly incorporates natural terrain, with part of the structure built against a hillside and the rest supported by vaulted arches. Its stage backdrop, known as the scaenae frons, remains intact, showcasing intricate Roman architectural elements. The theatre featured a large orchestra area and a high stage with supporting columns that created an immersive experience by visually separating the audience from the external environment. Originally, a wooden ceiling and an elaborate awning system (velarium) provided shade, with post holes still visible for 58 masts that held the awning. Over centuries, the theatre has been repaired and adapted, notably by the Seljuq Turks who used it as a caravanserai and converted the stage building into a palace in the 13th century. Aspendos Theatre stands as a unique testament to ancient engineering and cultural life, attracting visitors worldwide for its historical significance and stunning preservation.
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Tip: The best time to visit Aspendos Theatre is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and comfortable. Visitors interested in cultural events should check the schedule for the Aspendus Culture and Film Festival, which utilizes the theatre's exceptional acoustics and ambiance. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance during festival periods to ensure entry. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable due to uneven ancient stone surfaces.
Interesting facts
- •Aspendos Theatre is considered the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world.
- •The theatre was designed by Zenon, a local Greek architect, in 155 AD.
- •It originally seated about 7,000 people but can accommodate over 20,000 during modern festivals.
- •The stage backdrop (scaenae frons) remains largely intact, a rare feature among ancient theatres.
- •The Seljuq Turks converted the stage building into a palace in the 13th century.
- •Post holes for 58 masts remain visible, which supported a retractable awning to shade the audience.
History
Aspendos was an important ancient city in Pamphylia, flourishing by the 5th century BC as a wealthy trade center.
It came under Persian control in 546 BC but retained some autonomy, later joining the Delian League after a naval battle in 465 BC.
Alexander the Great captured Aspendos in 333 BC, imposing heavy tribute and a garrison.
The city surrendered to Rome in 190 BC and prospered through Roman times, with the theatre constructed in 155 AD.
During the Byzantine and Seljuq periods, the theatre was maintained and repurposed, reflecting its enduring strategic and cultural importance.
Place Guide
The Cavea (Seating Area)155 AD
The semi-circular seating area of the theatre, designed to hold around 7,000 spectators, partially built into the hillside to utilize natural slope for structural support and acoustics.
Scaenae Frons (Stage Backdrop)155 AD
The elaborately decorated permanent backdrop of the stage, standing 15.7 meters high, which remains remarkably intact and features columns and niches typical of Roman theatre architecture.
Orchestra155 AD
A circular area 23.87 meters in diameter in front of the stage used by performers and chorus in ancient times, forming a central focal point of theatrical performances.
Velarium Masts155 AD
Post holes in the upper levels of the theatre indicate the presence of 58 masts that supported a large retractable awning (velarium) to shade the audience from the sun.
Seljuq Palace Conversion13th century
In the 13th century, the Seljuq Turks converted the theatre's stage building into a palace, reflecting the site's continued use and adaptation over centuries.
