Sagalassos Ancient City

Sagalassos is an ancient city located in the Burdur province of Turkey. It is situated on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains and was one of the most important cities in the region during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today, Sagalassos is considered to be one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey, with many of its buildings and monuments still standing.

History

Sagalassos was founded in the 7th century BCE by the Pisidians, an ancient tribe that inhabited the region. The city grew in importance during the Hellenistic period and became a major center of culture and commerce. In the 1st century BCE, Sagalassos was incorporated into the Roman Empire and continued to thrive under Roman rule.

During the Byzantine period, Sagalassos remained an important city, and it was the seat of a bishopric. However, in the 7th century CE, the city was hit by a devastating earthquake, which caused extensive damage to its buildings and infrastructure. The city was rebuilt in the following centuries, but it never regained its former glory.

In the 13th century, Sagalassos was abandoned, and it remained uninhabited for centuries. It was rediscovered in the early 19th century by European travelers, and in the 20th century, extensive excavations were carried out, which revealed much of the city's history and architecture.

Archaeological Site

Today, Sagalassos is an important archaeological site that attracts visitors from all over the world. The site covers an area of around 40 hectares and contains many impressive structures and monuments.

The most notable monument in Sagalassos is the theater, which was built in the 2nd century CE and could seat up to 9,000 spectators. The theater is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Turkey and is still used today for concerts and other cultural events.

Other important structures in Sagalassos include the agora, which was the city's central marketplace, and the nymphaeum, which was a large public fountain. The city also contains several temples, including the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Artemis.

One of the most impressive features of Sagalassos is its public baths, which were among the largest and most luxurious in the ancient world. The baths include a frigidarium (cold room), a tepidarium (warm room), and a caldarium (hot room), as well as several other rooms for relaxation and bathing.

In addition to these structures, Sagalassos also contains several residential neighborhoods, including the Upper and Lower Agoras, where many of the city's wealthy residents lived. The houses in these neighborhoods are some of the best-preserved examples of Roman domestic architecture in Turkey, and they provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the city's inhabitants.

Visiting Sagalassos

Sagalassos is located in the Burdur province of Turkey, about 100 kilometers from Antalya. The site is open to visitors year-round, and there are guided tours available that provide a detailed overview of the city's history and architecture.

When visiting Sagalassos, visitors should plan to spend several hours exploring the site, as there is a lot to see and do. It is also recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the site is quite large and there are many hills and stairs to climb.

Overall, Sagalassos is an impressive and fascinating ancient city that provides a window into the past. Its well-preserved structures and monuments, combined with its stunning mountain setting, make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and archaeology.