Overview:

The Ancient City of Sagalassos is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the mountains of south-western Turkey. It is situated in Burdur province, in the upper valley of the Aksu river, between Antalya on the Mediterranean coast and Burdur in the west, north of Beysehir Lake. The city was once the largest and most powerful city of Pisidia region. Inhabited since at least the fourth millennium B.C., Sagalassos flourished in the Hellenistic and Roman periods (fourth century BC to seventh century) as a member of the Pisidian League. It became an important center of commerce and cultural exchange. Its many monumental Byzantine churches and well-preserved early Christian basilicas bear witness to its rich religious history. The city’s many archaeological remains and rich historical legacy are significant to the study of the history and culture of the Eastern Mediterranean and the area's interaction with the wider Classical world. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in the seventh century, leaving behind an abundance of ruins to explore dating back to the 5th century BC. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Sagalassos is an ancient Greco-Roman city located in present-day Burdur Province, in the Western Mediterranean region of Turkey. 2. Founded in the 2nd century BC, it was once known as the capital of Pisidia and one of the wealthiest cities in the region. 3. The city is home to a variety of monuments, including the monumental fountain of Kursunlu, the monumental bathroom of Agora, and the monumental gates of Sagalassos. 4. Archaeological excavations have revealed an array of artifacts, including pottery, coins, marble statues, and wall paintings, which reflect the city’s long and varied history. 5. In addition to its archaeological significance, Sagalassos is known for its spectacular mountain views and its abundance of wildlife. 6. It is also a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers, who come to explore its rugged terrain and natural beauty. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The ancient city of Sagalassos is located in modern day Burdur, Turkey. It is believed to have been founded in the 7th century BC by the Lydians and was later ruled successively by the Achaemenid Empire, the Kingdom of Pergamon, the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. It became an important administrative center and was a thriving market town at the intersection of several key trade routes. The city reached its zenith during the Roman and Byzantine periods, when it was known as the “flower of Lycia”. Its wealth was derived from its situation along the trade routes that connected it with cities such as Antioch, Ephesus and Alexandria in the east, and it was an important center of arts, crafts and minting. The city is also known for its impressive water management system, which exploited the city’s two natural springs, the Dizdiz and the Büyük, and its considerable catchment area from nearby mountains. The city was eventually sacked by the Seljuk Turks in the early 13th century, then eventually abandoned, and its ruins were eventually rediscovered in the 1980s. Today the ruins are a popular tourist destination, and visitors can admire the well-preserved porches of the city’s stoa, or the impressive water management system and its pool. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Sagalassos is an ancient city located in modern-day Turkey near Burdur. It was first inhabited by Paleo-Europeans in the late Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras. 2. Sagalassos was an important regional center throughout Antiquity. At its peak, it served as the capital and administrative center of the Pisidia region. 3. Archaeologists have unearthed many artifacts at the site, including ceramics, statues, and coins that provide insight into the city’s culture and history. 4. From the 3rd century BCE onward, the city had temples dedicated to a variety of gods, including Zeus, Apollo, Athena, Heracles, Demeter, Dionysus, and Artemis. 5. Numerous inscriptions have been found at the site that provide a window into how the city was ruled and managed. 6. During the Roman period (1st–3rd centuries CE), the Roman government built several public buildings in Sagalassos, including a large bath complex and public squares. 7. By the 4th century CE, the city had become an important Christian center, as evidenced by several churches and dedications to religious figures. 8. In the 7th century CE, the city was abandoned when a powerful earthquake struck the region. 9. The ruins of Sagalassos were rediscovered in the 19th century, and excavations of the city have been ongoing ever since. Today, the site is open to visitors who can learn about the city’s fascinating history. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era