Aspendos Amphitheatre

The theatre of Aspendos was built in the 2nd century in a blend of Greek and Roman styles under Marcus Aurelius. Designed by the architect Zenon, it seated about 7,600 people, or up to 8,500 when spectators occupied the stairways. The auditorium is 96 metres across and 22 metres high. A colonnaded gallery once supported an awning, and a relief of Dionysus decorates the upper stage building. Concerts and festivals continued here until 2008. The theatre is celebrated as one of the best-preserved monuments of Roman Asia Minor.

Tradition claims that the first theatrical curtain appeared at Aspendos. Water channels may have helped cool the structure in hot weather. An inscription names Zenon, son of Theodoros, and dedicates the theatre to the gods and imperial house. The monument has also served as a setting for historical films and documentaries.