Aphrodisias epitomized Roman imperial strategy through its trifecta of resources, religion, and governance: its prized marble quarries fueled a propaganda machine of divine imperial statues.
Table of Contents
Accidental Discovery: The Photographer Who Unveiled a Lost City
In the late 1950s, legendary Turkish photojournalist Ara Güler set out to document a newly constructed dam in Western Turkey. But fate had other plans. On his return journey, he and his team got lost, stumbling upon the remote village of Geyre. Intrigued by the ancient stones embedded in the village walls, Güler began photographing the area.
His images, published in international magazines, caught the eye of Kenan Erim, a Turkish-American archaeologist. By 1961, Erim had launched formal excavations at the site, partnering with New York University. Thus began the modern resurrection of Aphrodisias, a city lost to time.
The Archaeologist Who Lived and Breathed Aphrodisias
For nearly three decades (1961–1990), Kenan Erim dedicated his life to uncovering Aphrodisias. His collaboration with archaeologist Bird Smith (who continued the work after Erim’s death) transformed the site into one of Turkey’s most significant archaeological treasures. Excavations have continued uninterrupted since 1961, revealing a city that blends Anatolian, Greek, and Roman influences.
But Erim’s legacy wasn’t just about digging. Arkeolog Ümit Işın, who visited Aphrodisias in 1988, recalls a site buzzing with life. Workers enjoyed lavish lunches, ice tea, and desserts. Classical music floated through the air, tea breaks happened daily at 10:30 AM, and movie nights under the stars bonded the team. Erim’s philosophy was clear: archaeology thrives when people are inspired.
Aphrodisias: A Crossroads of Civilizations
Perched on the edge of ancient Caria, Aphrodisias straddled cultural borders. To the north lay Ionia (Greek-influenced), and to the south, Lycia. The Carians themselves were neither Greek nor Lycian—they were Luwian, a people indigenous to Anatolia. Their name may derive from the Luwian word for “rugged” (karuwa), reflecting their mountainous homeland.
Famous Karians? Think big:
- Herodotus, the “Father of History,” hailed from Halikarnassos (modern Bodrum).
- Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine, was born on Kos—a Karian island.
From Ninoe to Aphrodisias: A Goddess’s City
The site’s history stretches back to 5000 BC, but its golden age spanned the 5th century BC to the 4th century AD. Originally called Ninoe (after an Assyrian king), the city was reborn as Aphrodisias in the 1st century BC, honoring Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Yet this wasn’t the Greek Aphrodite of myth. The local cult had roots in Eastern Anatolia, blending with Near Eastern goddess worship. Legend says Aphrodite emerged from Mediterranean foam, rode a chariot pulled by swans, and became the city’s divine protector.
The Sebastaeon: Where Emperors, Myths, and Marble Collide
No visit to Aphrodisias is complete without the Sebastaeon—a temple complex dedicated to Aphrodite, Emperor Augustus, and the people (Demos). Built between the reigns of Tiberius and Nero (1st century AD), its three-story portico is a masterpiece of political propaganda:
- Third Floor: 80 of its 200 reliefs glorify the Julio-Claudian dynasty, Rome’s first imperial family. Emperors like Augustus and Claudius stand alongside gods, cementing their divine right to rule.
- Second Floor: Greek myths take center stage, with scenes of Hercules, Apollo, and the Trojan War—a nod to Rome’s obsession with Trojan ancestry (more on that later!).
But why did Rome invest so heavily in Aphrodisias? Look no further than Babadağ, the mountain across the valley.
Its gleaming white marble quarries produced some of the finest stone in the empire. Aphrodisias became a hub for sculptors, whose workshops churned out statues for temples, theaters, and elite villas across the Mediterranean.
Politics, Loyalty, and the Aphrodite-Rome Connection
Aphrodisias’s rise was no accident. When King Mithridates VI of Pontus invaded Asia Minor in 88 BC, most cities—including Ephesus—bowed to him. Not Aphrodisias. The city sided with Rome, a gamble that paid off richly. After Rome’s victory, Aphrodisias was rewarded with tax exemptions, autonomy, and imperial favor.
This loyalty was rooted in more than strategy. The Romans saw themselves as descendants of Aeneas, the Trojan hero and son of Aphrodite. By venerating her Anatolian incarnation, Rome forged a divine link to its mythical past. Aphrodisias became a spiritual bridge between Troy and Rome, a city where emperors could bask in the goddess’s favor—and remind the world of their “divine” legitimacy.
Why Visit Aphrodisias in 2025?
Aphrodisias is a treasure trove of ancient ingenuity, blending grandeur with intimate human stories. Here’s why it captivates:
Architectural Wonders
Let’s dive into different sections.
Tetrapylon: This restored 2nd-century gateway, adorned with intricate carvings, marks the sacred path to Aphrodite’s temple.
Stadium: One of antiquity’s best-preserved venues, hosting 30,000 spectators for chariot races and gladiator duels.
Theater: A colossal space for drama and civic life, with acoustics so precise even whispers reached the top tiers.
Water, Leisure & Public Life
Water plays the starring role in Aphrodisias as well!
South Agora’s Pool: A 170-meter-long marvel lined with palm trees and statues of water nymphs—a serene oasis for rituals and reflection.
Twin Agoras: Twin public squares teemed with markets, politics, and festivals. The 230-meter communal complex and grand stoa (covered walkway) offered shade and space for debate.
Roman Baths: Don’t miss the lavish bath complex! Heated rooms, mosaic floors, and marble-lined pools reveal how locals relaxed and socialized. These baths, fueled by Aphrodisias’ advanced engineering, were hubs of daily life.
Power & Human Passion
Afrodisias really stands out in so many ways!
Civil Basilica: A 100-meter-long secular colossus (1st century AD) where rulers were worshipped as gods through the imperial cult. Later repurposed as a church, it bridges pagan and Christian eras.
Diocletian’s Edict: Carved into city walls, this 4th-century decree capped prices for 1,400 goods—from bread to slaves—offering a raw glimpse into ancient economics.
Museum Masterpieces: Statues so lifelike they seem to breathe, carved from local marble by workshops that fueled the city’s fame.
Afrodisias isn’t just ruins—it’s where emperors became deities, workers dined on fish and wine, and a goddess’s cult inspired an empire. Walk its streets, and you’ll tread the same stones as ancient artisans, athletes, and dreamers.
Conclusion: Afrodisias is best experienced with a great tour guide
Join us at The Other Tour to walk in the footsteps of Carian traders, Trojan descendants, and the archaeologists who gave them a voice. Because history isn’t just about the past—it’s about the people who keep it alive.
🌿 Ready to explore? Book your journey to Afrodisias today.
