About
🏛️ Aphrodisias Ancient City – Where Marble, Art, and the Goddess Intertwine
Located in the Geyre neighborhood of Karacasu district, Aydın Province, Aphrodisias Ancient City is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Mediterranean world. Famous for its well-preserved marble architecture, sculpture school, and the cult of Aphrodite, the city was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, along with the nearby marble quarries that fueled its artistry.
🏺 A Journey from Village to Roman Glory
The roots of Aphrodisias stretch back to the mid-5th millennium BC.
🌿 In the 6th century BC, it existed as a small village, but by the 2nd century BC, during a period of rapid urbanization in the Meander Valley, it had grown into a city-state (polis).
🏛️ In the 1st century BC, Aphrodisias developed strong ties with Rome, particularly with Octavian, who would later become Emperor Augustus. He famously declared:
“From all of Asia, I have chosen this city for myself.”
In 39 BC, the Roman Senate granted Aphrodisias tax exemptions and autonomous status, marking the beginning of a golden age for the city.
🏗️ Architecture & Sculpture – The Marble Legacy
What sets Aphrodisias apart is its proximity to high-quality marble quarries, located just a few kilometers to the northeast in the foothills of Babadağ.