Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias was an ancient city in Caria, a region of ancient Greece and Asia Minor, now part of modern-day Turkey. The city was situated in a fertile valley near the mouth of the Macester River and was known for its rich silver and lead deposits. Aphrodisias was also an important center for the worship of the goddess Aphrodite, from whom the city got its name.

The city's strategic location made it a significant cultural and commercial hub, and it was an important center for the production of architectural materials such as marble and travertine. Many of the city's structures, including its nymphaion (a monumental fountain building), stadium, and theater, have survived to the present day, providing valuable insights into the urban planning and artistic aesthetics of ancient Greece and Rome.

The site of Aphrodisias was excavated starting from the early 20th century. Excavations have yielded a wealth of archaeological material, including mosaics, sculptures, and inscriptions. Many of these artifacts are now housed in museums in Istanbul and the Kunsthaus Museum in Munich, Germany. Aphrodisias' proximity to modern-day Turkey's ancient cities such as Ephesus and Hierapolis, as well as the city itself, has made it a renowned archaeological site, attracting scholars and tourists alike.

In 1988, the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved ancient structures, artworks and its important place in the history of Greek and Roman civilizations. Ongoing excavations at Aphrodisias have allowed archaeologists to gain a better understanding of the city's layout, and the civilization that once called it home.