Archaeology Magazine — March-April 2018

38 ARCHAEOLOGY • March/April 2018

T

he South Agora of Aphrodisias, located in southwestern

Turkey, was one of two public squares within the ancient

city. It was built during the first century a.d., and had been

previously interpreted as a commercial complex. However,

recent archaeological work has shown that the space func-

tioned in quite the opposite capacity, and was instead an

urban park, equipped with a monumental pool, fountains,

promenades, trees, and other greenery. “It had the grandeur

of public city architecture and design, but was intended for

relaxation, strolling, and some retail,” says University of

Oxford archaeologist R.R.R. Smith. The enormous pool at the

complex’s center measures 575 feet long and 82 feet wide

and was bordered by marble

benches, some even inscribed

with gaming boards. Exca-

vations and archaeobotani-

cal analysis of plant remains

revealed that rows of palm

trees (likely Cretan date palms)

and other plants once flanked

the pool, providing not only a

decorative element but also

ample shade. These palms

were not native to Aphro-

disias, but would have been

transported from coastal loca-

tions in southwest Asia Minor. This 3.7-acre park would have

been very expensive to build and maintain. With its shaded

walkways, flowing water, and lush vegetation cared for by

an association of professional gardeners, it seems to have

been designed for no other purpose than to provide the city’s

inhabitants with a place of leisure. “It was highly unusual for

its time,” says Smith. —Jason UrbanUs

URBAN GARDENS

Aphrodisias, Turkey

Portico sculpture, South Agora,

Aphrodisias, 1st century a.d.

Cretan date palm

Pool, South Agora, 1st century a.d.