SPORTS IN ANCIENT APHRODISIAS

Abstract

The ancient city of Aphrodisias is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Greek and Roman periods in Turkey. The history of the city can be traced back to the early Bronze Age and there is even clear evidence of a chalcolithic culture prior to the 3rd millennium BC. Aphrodisias was one of the foremost cities of its time and is known for its highly developed commercial, political, religious and cultural institutions, a very fine tradition of arts and crafts, and world-famous schools of philosophy and sculpture. One of the most impressive structures in Aphrodisias, and certainly one of the best preserved in the world, is the stadium. Measuring 262 meters long and 59 meters wide, it has a seating capacity of 30,000. It was specifically designed for athletic contests. Competitions in the province of Asia Minor were modeled on the Olympic and Pythian games in Greece. Competitions included boxing, wrestling, chariot racing, riding, running, pankration and pentathlon (discus, javelin, jump, running, and wrestling). Winners won prize money, the more violent events commanding huge purses. This phenomenon reflects Roman influence upon Aphrodisias’ culture and sport.