Two thousand years ago, the Romans conquered a Hellenistic settlement just outside of current day Antalya. The beautiful roman city of Perge in Turkey was born. Larger and grander on every scale, this ancient city is a dream to explore.
Main Street
I wrote a previous post covering the incredible Roman theatre and stadium. This post will showcase the other amazing ruins on this site, one of which is Main Street.
Instantly I could tell this was once a huge city. The size of Main Street signifies its grandeur. Lined on both sides with soaring granite columns, down the centre is long stone basin that once held flowing water. Tiled with yellow limestone, the streets show significant wear from the wheels of vehicular traffic. How cool is that?
On either side of the street, are wide sidewalks. An amazing thing to realize, is that under the crushed gravel that you currently walk upon here, is an incredibly array of marble mosaic!
How utterly beautiful this street must have been, with flowing water down the centre, plants, shops, intricate tiled sidewalks, and culminating in an enormous fountain at the head.
The Nymphaion of Kestros
At the top of Main Street lies this incredible fountain the Nymphaion of Kestros. Constructed during the 1st century AD, the fountain is comprised of two levels. Each side has a ‘wing’ that leads the visitor up the hill to the Acropolis directly behind.
At the front on the upper level, are three niches, the largest window style one, showcases the river god Kestros, lying prone on a balcony. Many other marble statues of Greek Gods from this fountain, are now housed in the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
Below would have been a large pool of fresh water, which flowed down from the Acropolis. How glorious this would have looked in the day. I cannot fathom the beauty.
Western Street
Another magnificent columned street is Western Street that directly intersects with Main Street. Once again, water flowed down one side of the street in a open cistern. Along both sides were shops, one of which was found to have an exquisite mosaic floor.
Western Street led to another grand fountain, a gymnasium, the northern baths, and the western gate and necropolis which holds the tombs and is currently closed.
Hellenistic City Gate & Towers
Before the Romans conquered this area, there was a settlement here. To this day, a few incredible towers and the walls of the Hellenistic city gate survive. One tower has been reinforced and is open to the public to explore. Another is currently under scaffolding.
These structures were built most likely during the 3rd century BC and are exceptionally well preserved. They make a profound statement on the landscape as they are some of the tallest buildings there.
The Southern Bath
A huge complex and one of two large bathhouses on site. This bath consisted of four areas. Firstly, a changing room with stone and wooden stools and cubicles for belongings. Next was the pool, possibly used for cleaning after being at the gym. After this came the frigidarium, well we can all guess what that is. The cold pool! And finally, the warm baths. The flooring has caved in here which results in a beautiful display of the chambers that would have kept the water warm.
The flooring in this bathhouse was marble tile and mosaic. The walls were adorned with decorative marble plaques and everywhere were scattered gorgeous marble statues of Greek gods and goddesses. How incredible this would have been, like bathing in an art gallery!
Buried Treasure
One must realize when visiting Perge, that an enormous portion of this city is still buried deep and safe under ground. What I was able to see, is only a small representation of what is actually there. After visiting the Antalya Archaeological Museum and seeing the statutes and artifacts already discovered at Perge, I cannot imagine the treasures that still laid buried.
As you walk around the site, you see rows upon rows of marble treasure, sculpture and pieces. Hidden behind almost every wall, are even more pieces. There are literally thousands and thousands of pieces of this city that lay strewn all around. Look down, you will be walking on pottery shards, mosaic flooring tiles come loose, it is overwhelming in every sense, how rich this site is.
Enjoy!
