Aspendus is located in the ancient region of
Pamphylia. According to some experts the
earliest settlers of the city were the Hittites.
The
name Aspendus is of Anatolian origin.
The Greek colonies arrived here around 13th
C BC and took over an existing settlement. Alexander the Great claimed the city from the Persians and during
the Roman period it was
an important port city.
The
city was founded on a hilltop and spread
down to the plains. Aspendus has one of the
best preserved and largest Roman theaters in Turkey. It was built
in the 2nd C AD. The city's aqueducts are also well preserved and
worth a visit.