History of Aspendos

Aspendos is an ancient city located 2 kilometers off the road that turns north from the 44th kilometer of the Antalya-Alanya highway. The city was established on a flat hill near Koprucay (Ancient Eurymedon). Aspendos is famous for having the best-preserved Roman theater in the entire Mediterranean world. According to historians, the Greeks won the Eurymedon Battle against the Persians near the city in 467 BC. Although Aspendos resisted against Alexander the Great, it eventually came under his rule. Flourishing during the Roman Empire, Aspendos draws attention with its renowned theater and aqueducts.

Aspendos Theater

Aspendos Theater is one of the finest examples of Roman-era theaters. Built during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the theater reflects the final lines of Roman theater architecture. With a capacity of approximately 15-20 thousand people, the theater is impressive even today in its well-preserved structure. In addition to the theater, other important remnants that can be visited in the city include the aqueducts. The Aspendos aqueduct system is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient aqueducts.

Economic Importance of Aspendos

Aspendos was a small city that minted the most valid currency in the entire Mediterranean world and was adorned with monumental structures. The city's economy was based on salt exports and agricultural products. Salt obtained from the nearby Kapria Lake was the most significant source of income for the city. Moreover, viticulture, winemaking, olives, and other cereal products were the city's other agricultural export commodities. The horses bred in Aspendos were known as sought-after horses in the entire Yakindogu and Mediterranean world.