The Amphitheater at Aphrodisias2 viewsThe theater was built in the late first century BC under the patronage of Gaius Julius Zoilus, a native of Aphrodisias who had become a slave of Julius Caesar but was freed by his heir Octavian. Returning to his birthplace a wealthy man, Zoilus initiated a vast building program, of which the Amphitheater was one of the first fruits.
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Amphitheater3 viewsThe theater was severely damaged by earthquakes in the 7th century AD. Later, villagers built cottages on top of the cavea (seating section), but when excavations began the entire village of Geyre was relocated after excavations began in 1966.
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Amphitheater Ascent2 viewsKathy and David Lindquist climb the Amphitheater aisle steps.
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View from the Amphitheater2 viewsOverlooking the South Agora and the Baths of Hadrian (background, right).
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Orchestra and Stage1 viewsThe Amphitheater was a venue for major spectacles, such as gladiatorial combats.
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Stage Building3 viewsThe amphitheater's stage building originally consisted of 3 stories, only one of which has been restored.
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Chuck Mattox at the Amphitheater2 viewsPondering the ephemerality of human creations.
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Dizzying Heights2 viewsI climbed to the top row of seating to take this picture.
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Spring Blooms3 viewsAphrodisias is pleasantly situated amidst groves of trees and flowering bushes.
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Flowering Tree2 viewsA herald of Spring.
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North Agora viewed from the Acropolis2 viewsThe north agora is a large public square (202 X 72 m), originally enclosed by stoas (porches) on all sides. Parts of the south and east stoas have remained standing since antiquity, and the north stoa was partially uncovered in excavations in the 1960s. Archaeologists believe this was the original center of Hellenistic Aphrodisias.
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Agora, Sebasteion and Village of Geyre1 viewsThe village of Geyre, relocated 2 km to the west after excavations began in 1966, is seen in the background.
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