Asia Minor, Hadrian, Hadrian portrait, Nerva–Antonine dynasty, Pamphylia, Turkey

Cuirassed statue of Hadrian wearing the Corona Civica, from the North Nymphaeum at Perga, Antalya Museum

The larger than life size marble statue depicts Hadrian (from the Chiaramonti 392 type) in military garb including a leather molded chest covering (cuirass), a military cloak (paludamentum) draped over his shoulder and arm, a special belt (cingulum), a knee length garment (tunic), sandals, etc.  His head is crowned with a tall wreath of oak… Continue reading Cuirassed statue of Hadrian wearing the Corona Civica, from the North Nymphaeum at Perga, Antalya Museum

Archaeology Travel, Asia Minor, Pamphylia, Photography, Turkey

Exploring Seleukeia (Lyrbe) – images from a forgotten city in Pamphylia

The ancient city of Seleukeia (or Lyrbe) is located 15 km north of Manavgat and was only rediscovered by archaeologists in the early 1970s. The city is known to have been founded as a fortified acropolis town to be used as a final defence and protection site in the case of an attack on Side.… Continue reading Exploring Seleukeia (Lyrbe) – images from a forgotten city in Pamphylia

Asia Minor, Hadrian, Hadrian portrait, Nerva–Antonine dynasty, Pamphylia, SPQR, Turkey

Statue of Hadrian wearing the Corona Civica (Civic Crown), from the North Nymphaeum at Perga, Antalya Museum

Inv. no. 3861-3863 Baiae portrait sculptural type. The emperor is depicted here as a nude hero. A paludamentum is draped over his left shoulder and arm. In his left hand is the sheath and sword and he wears a laurel wreath on his head.

Archaeology Travel, Asia Minor, Hadrian, Pamphylia, Turkey

Hadrian goes to Attaleia – images from Hadrian’s Gate at Antalya

Antalya was founded as Attaleia by Attalus II, King of Pergamum, around 150 BC to establish a naval base. It is possible that the town was an expansion of an older settlement or was built on top of a pre-existing one, as 2008 excavations suggest. In 133 BC, Attalus III, the last king of Pergamum,… Continue reading Hadrian goes to Attaleia – images from Hadrian’s Gate at Antalya

Archaeology Travel, Asia Minor, Pamphylia, Photography, Turkey

Exploring Aspendos – images from a wealthy city of Pamphylia

The second place I visited during my recent trip to Turkey was Aspendos (see itinerary map here). Aspendos is one of the most popular historic sites in the Antalya region. It is located beside the river Eurymedon (Köprüçay) and is renowned throughout the world for its magnificent ancient theatre. During ancient times, the central region of Antalya was known as Pamphylia and Aspendos… Continue reading Exploring Aspendos – images from a wealthy city of Pamphylia