The Aphrodisias archaeology site in southwestern Turkey has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, eu.greekreporter.com notes in the following article:
Aphrodisias, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love was a small ancient Greek city in the historic Caria cultural region of western Anatolia, in modern day Turkey.
The Temple of Aphrodite was a focal point of the town, but the character of the building was changed when it became a Christian basilica. The Aphrodisian sculptors became renowned and benefited from a plentiful supply of marble close at hand.
At the ancient site there is a wonderful amphitheater that must have been the setting for great performances of culture and arts.
There is also an ancient Greek stadium described as “the largest ancient stadium in the world and one of the best preserved.”
It is 270 meters long. There would have been times when thirty thousand people would have filled those spots, shouting and cheering at the events taking place below.
Sarcophagi were located in various locations, most frequently decorated with designs consisting of garland and columns. Pilasters have been found showing what are described as “peopled scrolls” with figures of people, birds and animals entwined in acanthus leaves.
The decision was taken during the UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Krakow, Poland.
According to the official announcement “Aphrodisias […] is one of the most important archaeological sites of Turkey […] with well-preserved sculptures, monuments, inscriptions, structures and marble quarries.”
The number of inscribed properties in current Turkey on the UNESCO World Heritage List has already reached 17.
Read more here.
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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Bernard Gagnon License: CC-BY-SA
Source: eu.greekreporter.com
