Aphrodisias, named after its patron goddess Aphrodite, was founded in the 2nd century B.C. on the site of a rural sanctuary of Aphrodite. In the 1st century B.C., Aphrodisias came under the protection of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, and this initiated a period of prosperity and growth. (...)
Aphrodisias, named after its patron goddess Aphrodite, was founded in the 2nd century B.C. on the site of a rural sanctuary of Aphrodite. In the 1st century B.C., Aphrodisias came under the protection of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, and this initiated a period of prosperity and growth. A nearby marble quarry supplied the ancient city and sites around the empire such as Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, with a supply of high-quality white and blue marble. The marble ruins that remain today reflect the period of wealth, and include the 1st century B.C. Temple of Aphrodite, a large public square (Agora) and associated Council House (Bouleuterion), Hadrianic Baths, a Theater and a Stadium. In late Roman times, Aphrodisias became the seat of a Christian bishop, and was largely abandoned by the early 7th century A.D.
