Perga

Perga, also known as Perge, is an ancient city of Pamphylia in Asia Minor, located in present-day Antalya Province, Turkey. It lies near the modern town of Aksu and is east of Antalya. The city flourished from the Hellenistic period and continued as a major urban center under Roman rule. Its streets and public buildings reflect a typical Greco-Roman plan, with a grand colonnaded street, an agora, baths, a theatre, and a stadium. Notable monuments include a well-preserved theatre, among the largest in Asia Minor, the stadium with surrounding seating, and extensive city walls with gates. The site also features public baths and a monumental gate, as well as remains of hydraulic works such as aqueducts and fountains to supply the city.

Perga is referenced in early Christian sources. In the New Testament book of Acts, Paul and his companions preached in Perga on their first journey, before moving on to Pisidian Antioch. The narrative also mentions that John Mark left the mission at Perga.

In modern times, Perga has been the subject of archaeological excavations since the 19th century, yielding inscriptions, statues, and architectural fragments. The ruins are a major component of the region's heritage and a popular destination for visitors exploring ancient Pamphylia, often in conjunction with nearby sites such as Aspendos and Side. The site is protected as an archaeological park and offers insight into urban life in a provincial Roman city.