Turkey: Archeological Sites

Aphrodisias Rivaling Ephesus in scale and splendor, Aphrodisias, located in inland Western Anatolia, is much less visited. In spring the ruined stadium fills with poppies. The museum shows off locally crafted Roman statuary. Western Anatolia
culture | history | archeology

Bergama Scattered around the modern town of Bergama, the ruins of ancient Pergamum include an acropolis, a vertigo-inducing hillside theatre, and a library which once rivaled Alexandria’s. An excellent town-center museum houses finds from the site. Northern Aegean
culture | history | archeology

Ephesus (Efes) Once the capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus is the Eastern Mediterranean’s largest archeological site and very popular with cruise visitors. Highlights include the theatre, the library, and the superb terraced houses with frescoes and mosaics. Visit from Kusadasi or smaller Selcuk. Southern Aegean; www.ephesus.us
culture | history | archeology

Hatusas Northeast of Ankara, Hatusas was the capital of the Hittite Empire more than 3,000 years ago. Remains of ancient city walls and temples survive in a rural setting alongside a rogues’ gallery of rock-cut gods at nearby Yazilikaya. Hatusas
culture | history | archeology

Mt. Nemrut Atop a hill near Kahta in Eastern Turkey lurks the burial place of the megalomaniac Commagene king Antiochus I Epiphanes (64-38 BC). Earthquakes toppled the huge stone heads of ancient Greek gods, which now ring the tumulus. Eastern Turkey, Mt. Nemrut; www.adiyamanli.org/mt_nemrut.htm
culture | history | archeology