The Theatre and Aqueducts of the Ancient City of Aspendos, Turkey

A Timeless Marvel of Roman Engineering (visited January 2025)

Feb 02, 2025

Turkey is home to some of the world’s most spectacular ancient ruins, but only a few sites captivate the imagination like Aspendos.

Located in the Mediterranean region near Antalya, this ancient city is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. The nearby remains of its aqueducts are a testimony to the ingenuity of Roman engineering.

These ancient wonders are now part of Turkey’s UNESCO Tentative List, and while there, you can’t help but step back in time, witnessing the greatness of an empire.

A theater for the ages

The Theatre of Aspendos was built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and is a masterpiece of design. Unlike many ancient theaters that have suffered the destruction of time, this one remains almost intact. Its massive semicircular seating area, capable of holding 15,000–20,000 spectators, still echoes with the energy of ancient spectacles.

The theater’s perfect acoustics allowed actors and musicians to be heard clearly, even by those in the upper rows, which is an architectural achievement that still impresses visitors.

Today, it still hosts cultural events, including the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.

File:Aspendos Aquaedukt.jpg — source: Wikimedia Commons by Koppi2

Aspendos’ aqueducts

While the theater is Aspendos’ crown jewel, its aqueduct system is an equally stunning remnant of Roman innovation. Water was essential to the city’s prosperity, and the Romans devised a vast network of aqueducts to transport fresh water from the nearby mountains.

Among the most striking features of this system are the towering inverted siphons, a rare and advanced hydraulic technique that enabled water to cross valleys at high pressure. These stone-built structures remain among the best-preserved examples of their kind, demonstrating the Romans' mastery of both architecture and hydraulics.

Why UNESCO recognition matters

The inclusion of Aspendos on Turkey’s UNESCO Tentative List highlights its significance as an ancient marvel and a living monument, one that continues to inspire architects, historians, and travelers.

As more tourists visit the region around Antalya, preservation efforts are critical to maintaining Aspendos’ structural integrity. The theater’s continued use for performances proves its enduring legacy, even though many believe it should be closed for such events. Continued careful conservation is needed to ensure that future generations can also experience its greatness.

Visiting Aspendos

Aspendos is located just 40 km east of the city of Antalya, and is perfect for a day trip. You can walk through the theater’s grand arches, admire the stage wall, imagine the roar of an ancient audience, and marvel at the aqueducts.

Would you watch a performance in a 2,000-year-old Roman theater? I would!

Let me know in the comments!