Aspendos (Belkis)

Famed for its theatre where the acoustics were good enough to win a princess' hand in marriage, legends claim that Aspendos was founded by survivors of the Trojan War.

Although the Greeks claimed descent from veterans of the mythical war, Hittite hieroglyphics indicate that this most ancient of empires arrived at some point during the second millennium BC.

While they left some carvings, it was their Greek successors who added prestige to the city, although it never became a major power. Subject to the Persians who extorted heavy taxes from it, city leaders were eager to embrace Alexander the Great when he entered the region.

Through skilful negotiations, Aspendos' leaders ensured that the city would be able to become subject to Macedon on condition that it did not pay taxes in gold and its famous horses. Pleased, Alexander departed, but he returned in force when he heard that the citizens had disagreed with the terms. Enraged, he took the city, garrisoned his troops and required 100 gold talents (around 3.3 tonnes) and 4,000 horses to paid annually.

After his death, the city changed hands, ending with the Kingdom of Pergamum, to which it remained bound until 133 BC when the Romans arrived. It was during this rule that much of the great public buildings were created, most notably the theatre designed by Xenon.

Accounts state that during the second century AD, there was a competition held by the city's king to marry his daughter to the man who rendered the city the greatest service. The final choice came to Xenon and the designer of a magnificent aqueduct that carried water from afar. Inspecting the theatre before final judgment, the king was surprised when inspecting the upper stalls to hear the phrase: "The king's daughter must be given to me."

Astonished at not being able to see who spoke, the king then realised that it was the superb acoustics of the Greek-style theatre that had allowed the architect to project his voice from the stage. Xenon soon became the king's son-in-law, with the wedding taking place in the building that had helped him win.

Dating of the theatre is helped by an inscription to the 'philosopher emperor' Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180) and it is partly built into the hill that formed the acropolis. Although the wooden posts that formed shielding for the audience have gone, the theatre is still used for performances today, a shining tribute to the skill of Xenon.

However, the theatre is not the only remain worth seeing in Aspendos. The nymphaeum, a grotto sacred to nymphs and supplier of water, also attracts the attentions of the modern visitor. The nine miles of Roman aqueduct, presumably designed by the loser of the king's contest, but with an inscription to Tiberius Claudius Italicus, also remains for inspection. The remains of a market and basilica also offer opportunities to marvel at the architectural skills of the ancients.

Aspendos lies on Turkey's south coast and is just 2.5 miles away from the modern city of Serik, offering a perfect day trip opportunity.

Turkey has a wealth of archaeology and historical sites ready for discovery. Click here to view the main places of interest.