Sagalassos Ancient City - Traces of Imperial Glory

Sagalassos Ancient City - Traces of Imperial Glory

History and Importance

Sagalassos is located 7 kilometers north of Ağlasun District, at an altitude of 1700 meters on the slopes of Mount Akdağ. Sagalassos, the most important city of the Pisidia region, became a major cultural and political center during the Roman Empire period. Most of the structures in the city belong to the Roman period and have great archaeological significance. In 2009, Sagalassos was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List and became a recognized ancient city worldwide.

Historical Origins

The origins of Sagalassos can be traced back to the end of the 3rd millennium BCE. Belonging to the Luvians, a branch of the Pisidian people, Sagalassos was captured by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE. After being under the rule of the Seleucid and Attalid kingdoms, Sagalassos joined the territories of the Roman Empire following the Galatian Kingdom in 25 AD. Sagalassos witnessed a major construction boom during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and became the official center of the Pisidian imperial cult.

Places to Visit

There are many important structures to visit in Sagalassos ancient city. The Antonine Fountain, built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, is one of the most prominent structures in the city. Additionally, the theater, the Neon Library, the Hellenistic Fountain, the ceramic workshops, the agora, and the temples offer visitors a historical journey. Among the most popular structures in Sagalassos are the magnificent statues of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Emperor Hadrian.

How to Get There?

Sagalassos Ancient City is located in the Ağlasun district of Burdur province. To reach Sagalassos, you first need to get to the city of Burdur. You can reach Burdur by bus or train from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities. From Burdur, you can easily reach Sagalassos by taking minibusses to the Ağlasun district. After a journey of approximately 30-40 minutes, you will arrive at Sagalassos.
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