Overview:

Aizanoi is an ancient city located in the province of Kütahya in western Turkey. It’s estimated to have been founded in the 3rd century BC and was home to the renowned Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Aphrodite, a theatre, bathhouses, an amphitheatre, various churches, and one of the oldest known surviving stadiums in the world. The ruins have been partially excavated and have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2013. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Roman Theater: Considered the most well-preserved ancient theater, it dates back to the 2nd century AD and is one of the largest and most impressive structures of its time. It has seating for 7,500 spectators, and the stage is decorated with marble reliefs and sculptures from that era. 2. Temple of Zeus: Constructed in the 2nd century AD, it was the largest and most impressive temple ever built in Anatolia. It is an impressive structure with a two-level Corinthian portico. 3. Stadium: This ancient stadium can accommodate an audience of 15,000 and features the original stone seating. It is surrounded by an impressive two-story portico with 48 columns. 4. Street of Columns: This 130-meter long street was the main road of the city and is lined with pillars which are thought to be from the 2nd century BC. Many of them have inscriptions in Greek. 5. City Gates: Aizanoi Ancient City had two gates in the area: the Lower Gate and the Upper Gate. The Lower Gate is well-preserved and is the first thing you see as you approach the city from the south. 6. Roman Baths: Constructed in the 2nd century BC, this large bath complex includes a spacious outdoor area, several saunas, and steam rooms. It even includes a room for relaxing after the bath. 7. Acropolis: The acropolis stands on the highest point of the city and is surrounded by a wall. It features the ruins of several structures including a temple, a hall, and a hall of honor. 8. Agora: This area is the former marketplace of the city and includes the remains of several shops, small temples, and an important statue of Eros. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Aizanoi ancient city, located to the south of the modern-day town of Kütahya in Turkey, was an important center of settlement in the Roman period. According to the ancient historians, Aizanoi was founded in the seventh century BCE by the Phrygians, but the city's glorious past stretches even further back: it is believed that Aizanoi was once inhabited by the Hittites and the Mysians. The city flourished in the Roman period, with the construction of numerous monuments, including temples to Zeus (the chief god of the Phrygians) and Athena, a Byzantine church, the civic and governmental center in the city known as the Bouleuterion (Council House), and an impressive theatre. The area was also home to several wealthy aristocrats and even the Roman emperor Septimus Severus, who built a palace there in A.D. 204. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Aizanoi was abandoned. The city was briefly re-inhabited in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, but it was eventually abandoned and largely forgotten until its rediscovery by archaeologists in the 1970s. Today, the ruins of Aizanoi form an important archaeological site, providing a unique insight into the rich history of the region. The ruins, which are open to visitors, include a well-preserved theatre, temple, and other monuments. Visitors can also explore two Byzantine churches and a number of other Roman buildings. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Aizanoi is the best-preserved ancient city site in Anatolia. Built in the 3rd century BC, it is estimated to have had a population of about 20,000. 2. The city is home to the Temple of Zeus, a well-preserved temple first built in circa 200-100 BC and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. The site contains archaeological remains from the Phrygians, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantium, and Ottoman periods, making it a mecca for history buffs. 4. Aizanoi was home to many festivals, such as the Asclepiades Festival, in which Zeus was worshipped as the patron of medicine. 5. There is an ancient stadium in the city which is thought to have been built in the 2nd century BC. It is one of the oldest, well-preserved stadiums in the world. 6. Aizanoi was also known for its cotoversia, an ancient game similar to tennis. 7. Located at the heart of Anatolia, Aizanoi is still surrounded by the beautiful pine forests for which it is famous. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era