Feel the weight of history. These ancient stones whisper tales of Perge. Before you stand the City walls of Perge a testament to centuries past.
The City walls of Perge were first built in the 3rd century BC. They protected a city that flourished under various empires. From the Hittites to the Romans Perge saw its share of glory. The walls themselves boast three gates each a passageway to a different era. The South Gate is especially impressive with its two three-story towers and a horseshoe-shaped courtyard. Added later a triumphal arch now stands proudly inserted into the northern wall. Precious marbles once adorned the facades. Columns and statues completed the scene.
Imagine Alexander the Great’s army marching through these very gates in 334 BC. The people of Perge welcomed him without resistance. Perhaps the walls were not yet complete. Later under Roman rule from the 1st to the 3rd century AD Perge became a magnificent city. A construction boom transformed its landscape. New monuments rose reflecting the wealth and peace of the Pax Romana. Plancia Magna a daughter of a governor left her mark. Her generosity fueled the erection of many public buildings. She is still honored today.
Picture the bustling life within these walls. Merchants traded in the agora. Athletes competed in the stadium. Citizens relaxed in the Roman baths. The city boasted impressive structures. A theatre that could hold 15000. Baths noteworthy for their size and the sculptures found there. Unique mosaics showcased scenes of mythology. One mosaic reveals Oceanus and Medusa. Another depicts the sacrifice of Iphigenia. Water flowed freely through a long central channel. Cascading pools refreshed the city in the hot Pamphylian sun. The city even had two aqueducts one 11 kilometers long.
The City walls of Perge bear witness to the rise and fall of empires. The echoes of history resonate here. Christianity arrived in the 1st century AD with St Paul’s visit. Later the city became an important Christian center. This is also reflected in the remains of two churches found within the city. This amazing city remained inhabited until around 1000 AD when the Seljuk Empire was founded. Walk these walls today and connect with the rich past of Perge.