Aphrodisias Ancient City / Aegean Ancient Cities Series

The Ancient City of Aphrodisias is a tourist area located in the Karacasu district of Aydın, discovered after long archaeological studies and introduced after intensive restoration work. It is known that Aphrodisias got its name from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty. The most effective factor in its name being derived from the goddess of beauty is seen to be the sculptors it has trained and the works they have presented. The founding date of the city is estimated to be around 5000 BC. This has led history enthusiasts to seek answers to the question of where Aphrodisias is.

Aphrodisias Ancient City Ruins

Visiting the Ancient City is one of the areas that history enthusiasts who want to take a tour will want to see. The reason is that it bears the traces of many civilizations it has hosted. Especially the ruins from the Roman period, which are still standing solidly and the giant marble columns that have not lost any of their splendor, will certainly excite those who want to experience this atmosphere. The Ancient City of Aphrodisias is actually one of our ancient cities that was discovered by chance and whose value was understood after long efforts. However, the influence of Ara Güler was quite significant in its discovery.

Table of Contents

• 1 Where is Aphrodisias?
• 2 History of Aphrodisias Ancient City
• 3 Structures in Aphrodisias Ancient City
• 4 How was Aphrodisias Ancient City Discovered?
• 5 Aphrodisias Ancient City Tour

Where is Aphrodisias?

Afrodisias is located within the borders of Aydın province. It is situated in Geyre Town, which is affiliated with Karacasu district. The distance to Aydın city center is approximately 95 km. Transportation is quite easy. After arriving in Aydın by air or land, it is possible to reach Afrodisias by public transportation or private tour services. Finding answers to questions such as where is Afrodisias or how to get there is quite easy. Basically, with the increase in road transportation, access to historical areas has also become much easier. Necessary transportation services are provided to historical regions, especially those included in the World Cultural Heritage.

For those planning an ancient city tour, it is possible to organize daily or long-term programs. Due to its proximity to Aydın city center, accommodation needs can be met here or in Karacasu district. You can meet all your needs with special tariffs organized for tour programs and fees determined accordingly. Thus, you can enjoy exploring the Afrodisias ancient city. You can experience these unique structures with a tour guide, if requested, and have unforgettable memories.

You can access the road map of Afrodisias ancient city from here.

Afrodisias Ancient City History

Although Afrodisias was started to be built in 5000 BC, it has passed into history as an area that many kings or emperors could not give up and fought wars for, due to its location and feature. Therefore, its completion is estimated to be around the 2nd century BC. The answer to the question of where is Afrodisias or how to get there was given above. In this section, information will be provided about the importance and beauties of the ancient city.

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While planning an ancient city tour, Afrodisias should be put at the top of the list of places to see. The city’s texture, story, or ruins that have survived to the present day are almost like a separate epic. Firstly, it is beneficial to provide information about the temple in the Afrodisias ancient city, which was built for the Greek goddess of beauty, Aphrodite. The city’s establishment scheme seems to have been shaped here. Thanks to the temple built in the center, it was a very easy situation for everyone to make offerings and pray at that time. When compared to the temples of Greek gods built in the same period, which were built in inaccessible rocky mountains and rocks, Aphrodite can also be seen as a goddess of mercy. The only structure that has survived to the present day and is still standing is the remains of this temple. It is beneficial to learn some details about the city before planning an ancient city tour.

Afrodisias Ancient City

Where is Afrodisias or is it established in a single area, what is the size of the settlement unit, such questions are a matter of great curiosity for those who will visit the city. The Afrodisias ancient city has a construction period that is quite long, and the area opened to tourism is approximately spread over an area of 1 km2. It is known that within this area, 15,000 people lived, according to the information obtained. Due to its religious importance, it hosted many polytheistic religions, and after the Roman Empire adopted Christianity, it began to use this area as a church. Later, as different civilizations wanted to increase their commercial activities, the settlement areas slowly disappeared. However, during the Ancient City Tour, it is still possible to encounter these signs of life.

Structures in Afrodisias Ancient City

Where is Afrodisias? Afrodisias is located in a seismic zone, including historical tourism areas. Therefore, it has been heavily affected by natural disasters. However, despite this, some parts of the walls surrounding Afrodisias ancient city can still be seen. The construction of the walls actually resembles a castle. However, according to the information obtained as a result of the research, it has been revealed that all the ruins found belong to the temple.

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Since the city hosted many civilizations and different beliefs, there is no definite information about the initial construction phase. Especially during the Christian Roman period, it is thought that many areas were destroyed and reshaped according to Christianity. However, it is known that the Temple of Aphrodite still preserves its original design. The carvings or motifs found in the temple ruins provide information about the Ancient Greek Civilization. During the Ancient City Tour, it is possible to see the ancient theater ruins, baths, and the stadium where cultural activities were held.

Afrodisias ancient city was taken over by monotheistic civilizations, and the ancient statues were destroyed and removed. Some of them were used in the architecture during the rearrangement of the temple. The ruins that have survived to the present day are actually due to the use of some statues as columns. It is possible to see many reliefs and inscriptions from the Late Hellenistic period. As a result of the restoration work, they have been returned to their original position.

How was Afrodisias Ancient City Found?

The question of where Afrodisias is was actually answered by Ara GÜLER many years ago. Although he did not define its location, the cultural values it possesses led to intense efforts. For history lovers who want to visit the Ancient City Tour, it will be useful to mention this interesting discovery story.

Photographer Ara GÜLER happens to have his path cross with Karacasu one day. After this point, he goes to Geyre and comes across the Afrodisias ancient city ruins. These structures, which resemble the ruins found in countries like Italy and Greece that hosted the Roman Civilization, prompt him to apply for support. However, he does not receive a positive response, with the answer being that there is no sufficient budget or resources to allocate. Nevertheless, Ara GÜLER does not give up on this matter and sends the city’s photographs to the USA. As a result, Afrodisias is added to the World Cultural Heritage list. For us, it is enough to know the answer to the question where is Afrodisias only in terms of location.

Afrodisias amfi tiyatro

Afrodisias Ancient City Tour

History enthusiasts who want to plan an ancient city tour can have a pleasant vacation by participating in the organized tours. If you want to experience this unique experience related to ancient civilizations, you can join the tours. Afrodisias ancient city is closed to car traffic in order to preserve its natural structure. However, the distance to parking areas or tour points is quite close. Also, a bit of fresh air will certainly do good for exploring the city. There is an entrance fee to the ancient city. However, the prices are quite low. During the tour, all your needs are met by the tour companies. This also gives visitors the opportunity to explore the city as they wish. You can get more information about tours and daily trips by contacting us.

Afrodisiasancient city toursaegean ancient citiesplaces to visit in the aegean region