Oh I had the best day trip! Following my love and admiration for all things Roman history, I took the tram from Antalya out to another city, one which began more than 2000 years ago! The ancient Roman theatre & stadium at Perge were the highlight of the day for me.
Perge
Settled during the Hellenistic era around 300 BC was a town about half an hour away from current day Antalya in Turkey. Around the 1st century, the place was conquered by the Romans and the city of Perge arose.
It is a huge site, so much larger and grander than I had any idea it would be. This first post will cover the theatre and stadium. I’ll write another post to document every thing else which is equally magnificent!
Theatre
Stunning. If I had one word, it would be that. I arrived into Aksu, a small town close to the old 2016 expo site. Walking for fifteen minutes and I started to see the first signs of ancient civilization. I came across the theatre, quite by accident, paid my 250TL ($12 CAD) and went inside.
I was utterly and completely blown away by my surroundings. Completely alone, with out a single other being in sight, I walked through an archway. Before my eyes, was the stage area, complete with blackened marble carvings along the entire length.
Above this were doorways, arches and the main structure of the stage and backdrop.
Seating
Turning my attention to the left, I found a massive theatre seating area which at one time, held 15,000 people! By this time the sun had crested the stage area and the seats were aglow.
Before I knew it, two cats were making their way towards me, telling me all sorts of stories. It wouldn’t be Turkey without cats as part of the story.
I was adamant I was going to climb to the top, so I found an entry way up through the seating and climb I did. Wow, amazing views and a breathtaking look at the theatre below me in all of its glory.
I cannot stress enough how magnificent this sight is. The theatre is huge, and so very complete. I was free to walk and climb over the entire space, with the exception of the higher stage area.
As I do when alone, at one point, I sat, removed my shoes, and laid my bare feet upon this ancient marble to be at one with history. Closing my eyes, and imaging the sights, sounds and beauty that would have once filled the space, I was in awe.
Stadium
Incredible, this is the first time I have seen such a complete Roman stadium. In its heyday it would have seated 12,000 spectators, all vying to have a look at the gladiators and sportsmen below them.
At one end is where most of the action took place. Here you can explore, going in and out through the little doorways that the gladiators and animals would have used to enter the arena.
The construction is perfection. To know and see that all of the seating rests upon massive stone archways underneath is something extraordinary to behold.
As I walked the perimeter, and climbed to the upper echelons of the rows of seats, I was taken back to a time of true grit, spectator-ship, and thundering sounds.
I would absolutely urge anyone even remotely interested in history or ancient Romans, to explore this beautiful city of Perge. You will not be disappointed.
