Aspendos

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The Greek theatre, Aspendos

Aspendos, an ancient Greco-Roman city in Antalya province of Turkey. It is located 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) north of Serik.

1 History
2 Roman structures
3 Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival
4 References
5 External links

[edit] History

The town dates back to the 5th century BC. The theater, which was built in 155^[1], was periodically repaired by the Seljuks who used it as a caravanserai. Aspendos was built by the Ancient Greek architect Zenon, in Marcus Aurelius’ time.

[edit] Roman structures

Aspendos is known for having the best-preserved theater of antiquity. With diameter of 96 meters (315 ft), the theater provided seating for 7,000.^[1]

In order to keep with Hellenistic traditions, a small part of the theater was built so that it leaned against the hill where the Citadel (Acropolis) stood, while the remainder was built on vaulted arches. The high stage served to seemingly isolate the audience from the rest of the world. The scaenae frons or backdrop, has remained intact. The 8.1 meter (27 ft) sloping reflective wooden ceiling over the stage has been lost over time. Post holes for 58 masts are found in the upper level of the theater. These masts supported a valerium or awning that could be pulled over the audience to provide shade.^[1]

Still used today for concerts, festivals and grease wrestling events, the theater's galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architect's success.

Nearby stand the remains of a basilica, agora, nymphaeum and 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) of Roman aqueduct.

[edit] Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival

The theatre hosts the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival organized by Turkish State Opera and Ballet since 1994, with international participation of opera and ballet companies and an audience of about 10,000.

[edit] References

^ ^a ^b ^c Roth, Leland M. (1993). Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History and Meaning, First, Boulder, CO: Westview Press. ISBN 0-06-430158-3.