Stepping into the Past: Perge’s Ancient Marvels

As a former professor of European history, I have always been drawn to the ancient ruins that whisper stories of bygone eras. My recent journey to Antalya, Turkey, was no exception, as I embarked on the Historic Perga & Aspendos Tour. The first stop on this half-day excursion was the classical city of Perge, a site that has long intrigued historians and travelers alike.

Perge, founded around 1300 BC, was once a bustling Roman port and the first stop for St. Paul on his missionary journeys. As I walked through the triumphal Roman gate, I was immediately transported back in time. The ruins of temples, marketplaces, and fountains stood as silent witnesses to the city’s vibrant past. The column-lined main street, with grooves etched by ancient chariot wheels, was a testament to the city’s once-thriving life.

The 12,000-seater stadium and the remnants of a Bronze Age acropolis added layers to Perge’s historical narrative. Each stone seemed to hold a story, and I found myself lost in the echoes of ancient voices. The guided tour provided insightful anecdotes, enriching my understanding of this remarkable site. It was a historian’s dream, a place where the past felt palpably present.

The Timeless Acoustics of Aspendos

Leaving Perge, we journeyed to Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Built 2,000 years ago into a steep hillside, the theatre’s grandeur was immediately apparent. Its perfect acoustics, a marvel of ancient engineering, mean that it is still used for operas and concerts today.

Standing in the theatre, I was struck by its architectural brilliance. The semi-circular design, the tiered seating, and the stage area all spoke of a time when art and performance were central to community life. The theatre could accommodate 15,000 spectators, a testament to the cultural significance of performance in Roman society.

As I stood on the stage, I couldn’t help but imagine the voices of actors and musicians resonating through the ages. The theatre’s enduring legacy is a reminder of the timeless nature of art and its ability to connect us across centuries. It was a humbling experience, one that left me in awe of the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient world.

Reflections on a Journey Through Time

This half-day tour of Perge and Aspendos was more than just a visit to ancient sites; it was a journey through time. As someone who has spent a lifetime studying history, I found the experience both enlightening and deeply moving. The ruins of Perge and the theatre of Aspendos are not just remnants of the past; they are living testaments to the enduring legacy of human creativity and resilience.

For those who share my passion for history and architecture, this tour is a must. It offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans, to see the world as they saw it, and to feel the weight of history in every stone. As I left Antalya, I carried with me not just memories of a beautiful landscape, but a renewed appreciation for the stories that shape our world.

In the end, the Historic Perga & Aspendos Tour was a reminder of why I fell in love with history in the first place. It is a journey I would recommend to anyone eager to explore the rich tapestry of our past, to uncover the hidden stories that lie beneath the surface of our modern world.