The stadium of Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias was a small ancient Greek city in Caria. Its site is located near the modern village of Geyre, Turkey.... more

by Auntieblues

Title

The stadium of Aphrodisias

Artist

Auntieblues

Medium

Photograph - Photographs

Description

Aphrodisias was a small ancient Greek city in Caria. Its site is located near the modern village of Geyre, Turkey.

The use of the name Aphrodisias began after the 3rd century B.C., in the Hellenistic period.

The wealth and cultural and political importance of the city is clearly attested by the size and magnificence of the buildings of which it is composed.The name Aphrodisias is derived from Aphrodite, the goddess of nature, beauty, love and plenty, and was one of the most famous cult centres of the goddess.

The stadium was used for athletic events until the theatre was badly damaged by a 7th-century earthquake, requiring part of the stadium to be converted for events previously staged in the theatre.
The stadium measures approximately 270 m (890 ft) by 60 m (200 ft). With 30 rows of seats on each side, and around each end, it would have had a maximum capacity for around 30,000 spectators. The track measures approximately 225 m (738 ft) by 30 m (98 ft).
As the stadium is considerably larger and structurally more extensive than even the stadium at the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, it is probably one of the best preserved structures of its kind in the Mediterranean.

Uploaded

September 29th, 2014