The Aspendos Theatre
According to legend, Aspendos was founded around 1000 BC by Greeks who may have come from Argos. Situated on the then navigable Eurymedon River about 16 km from the Mediterranean Sea, Aspendos derived great wealth from a trade in salt, oil and wool and became the most important city in Pamphylia by the 5th century BC.
The Aspendos Theatre is one of the best preserved Roman theatres of the ancient world. According to inscriptions on the southern main entrance, the theatre was constructed during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161 - 180 AD); its architect was Zenon, an Aspendian.
In order to honor Hellenistic traditions, a small part of the theatre was built so that it leaned against the hill where the Citadel stood, while the remainder was built on vaulted arches. The theatre seats 7000.
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