Aspendos
Interest
Theatre Capacity
~15,000
Built
161–180 CE
Architect
Zenon
Status
Still used for performances
“The Theatre of Aspendos is the gold standard for Roman theatre preservation worldwide.”
Aspendos was an ancient Greco-Roman city in Antalya province of Turkey. It is notable for having the best-preserved theatre of antiquity.
read_wikipedia →overview
Aspendos was an ancient Greco-Roman city in Pamphylia, located near the modern village of Belkıs in Antalya Province. The city was founded around the 10th century BCE and prospered under Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman rule. The Theatre of Aspendos, built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161–180 CE) by the architect Zenon, is the best-preserved ancient theatre in the world. Its remarkable state of preservation is partly due to its continuous use as a Seljuk caravanserai in the 13th century, which involved adding stonework that inadvertently protected the structure. The theatre seats approximately 15,000 spectators and retains its original stage building, acoustic design, and most of its seating. It continues to be used for performances today, including the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.
why_it_matters
evidence
Distinguishing what is well-established from what remains debated.
confirmed
2- The theatre was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161–180 CE) based on inscriptions.
- The Seljuks used the theatre as a caravanserai in the 13th century, adding stonework repairs.
inferred
1- The architect Zenon designed the theatre based on a dedicatory inscription.
excavation
First documentation
Led by Charles de Vogüé
Count Charles-Jean-Melchior de Vogüé documented the theatre.
More Photos
Museum Artifacts
location
Related Sites
sources
- Roman Theatres: An Architectural Study — Frank Sear (2006)