Aphrodisias
Hellenistic Greek city famed for sculpture and the cult of Aphrodite.
Aphrodisias was a Hellenistic Greek city in the historic Caria cultural region of western Asia Minor, in modern-day Turkey. It was named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and was renowned in the Roman world for its marble sculptures and sculptors. The city became the metropolis (provincial capital) of Caria in the late Roman period (4th century AD) and was a center of paganism until the end of the 5th century.
- ancient names
- Lelégōn Pólis, Megálē Pólis, Ninóē, Aphrodisias, Stauropolis
Lore & Background
Aphrodisias was originally known by three earlier Greek names: Lelégōn Pólis, Megálē Pólis, and Ninóē, before being renamed after Aphrodite around the 3rd century BC. The city had a unique cult image, the Aphrodite of Aphrodisias, and its marble sculptures became famous throughout the Roman world. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in the early 7th century and never fully recovered, being reduced to a small fortified settlement on the site of the ancient theatre. It was renamed Stauropolis ('City of the Cross') before 640, and later the region of Caria gave rise to its modern Turkish name, Geyre.
Reader's Guide
Aphrodisias is significant as a major center of sculpture and philosophy in the Roman world, with its marble quarries and school of sculpture producing works that were exported widely. The city's Temple of Aphrodite was a focal point, later converted into a Christian basilica and dismantled around 481–484 by order of Emperor Zeno due to pagan opposition. The Sebasteion, dedicated to Aphrodite and the Divine Augusti, reflects the integration of local cult with imperial power. The Bouleuterion (council house) and stadium, which could hold around 30,000 spectators, illustrate the city's civic and athletic life. Despite earthquakes in the 4th and 7th centuries, the site has yielded extensive statuary and architectural remains, leading to its 2017 UNESCO World Heritage inscription.
Did You Know?
- Before being called Aphrodisias, the city had three earlier Greek names: Lelégōn Pólis, Megálē Pólis, and Ninóē.
- The city was renamed Stauropolis ('City of the Cross') sometime before 640 to remove pagan connotations.
- The stadium at Aphrodisias measured about 270 m by 60 m and could hold up to 30,000 spectators.
- Aphrodisias was destroyed by an earthquake in the early 7th century and never fully recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aphrodisias?
Aphrodisias is an ancient Hellenistic Greek city situated in the Caria region of western Asia Minor, in present-day Turkey. It took its name from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and grew into a major cultural center of the ancient world.
Why is Aphrodisias so famous?
The city earned a legendary reputation across the Roman world for its fine marble quarries and the masterful sculptors who worked there. Its output of high-quality stone artistry made it one of the most recognized creative hubs in the Mediterranean.
Where is Aphrodisias located and what was it called before?
The ruins lie in the historic Caria cultural region of western Asia Minor, in modern-day Turkey. Before the name Aphrodisias became standard, the settlement was known by several other names, including Lelégōn Pólis, Megálē Pólis, and Ninóē.
What role did Aphrodisias play in Roman provincial administration?
In the fourth century AD the city was elevated to metropolis status, making it the provincial capital of Caria. It also remained a significant center of pagan religious life, holding that position until roughly the close of the fifth century.
Why should a World Heritage fan visit Aphrodisias?
The site preserves a remarkably complete cross-section of a Hellenistic-to-Roman town, from its marble workshops to its temple complex dedicated to Aphrodite. For enthusiasts of ancient art and urban design, it vividly shows how a modest regional town could influence the visual culture of an entire empire.
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