[2806] The ancient city of Perge, Antalya, Turkey

The Agora of Perge within one of the most well-designed and planned cities of Roman Anatolian provides an example of this type through its plan and structural characteristics. The Agora positioned to the east of the Hellenistic Period Gate is surrounded by a wide stoa and there is a paved area surrounded by columned galleries. There are shops behind the galleries paved with ornate floor mosaics. Unlike the contemporary examples in Anatolia, the doors to the Perge Agora stores were arranged to open towards inside or outside alternatively. The entrances are in the centre of each of the porticos. The open area on the western side these structures was employed as a main entrance hall. Given the natural slope of the area, it is possible to say that the south side of the Agora was of two storeys.

 

The place termed the Agora (Bazaar) was subsequently called as the Macellum, as meat and fish as well as luxury goods such as perfume were sold here.

 

It was the second largest Agora in Turkey in terms of its size, consisting of three nested squares. The inner area measuring 51 x 51 m is of compacted soil. The tools of circular plan situated in the middle of this area could have been a temple, as at Side. However in the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) period, water pipes were placed in the walls around the tholos podium and consequently this structure is thought to have then been employed as an agiasma.

 

Text Ref: Perge Museum

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