BY DIMOSTHENIS VASILOUDIS

In the ancient world, grand structures and edifices served not just as expressions of architectural prowess but also as centers of community, culture, and entertainment. The theater and the stadium were two such central structures, each with their own distinctive purposes and architectural nuances. However, one site stands apart in the way it combines these two unique entities. This place is the Aizanoi, located in present-day Avdarhisar, Turkey, with its spectacular, side-by-side complex of a theater and a stadium, a rare combination that is said to be unique in the ancient world.

Aizanoi: A Cultural Landmark of Antiquity

The Aizanoi, settled around 3000 BC, is a landmark of immense historical significance. The city reached its zenith in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD under Roman rule, when many of its most iconic structures, including the theater-stadium complex, were built. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2022, Aizanoi offers an extraordinary glimpse into the past, with the theater and stadium standing as testaments to the city's rich cultural heritage.

• Origins and Early Settlements

Aizanoi's beginnings are deeply rooted in the Bronze Age, which extended from about 3300 BC to 1200 BC. The region that would eventually become Aizanoi was inhabited by various cultures during this period. Its favorable geographical position near the River Penkalas (today known as the Kocaçay) offered abundant resources, making it an ideal location for early settlements.

While archaeological evidence from the Bronze Age in Aizanoi is sparse, the area was certainly inhabited during this era. Bronze Age cultures in the region were known for their metalwork, ceramics, and the development of early writing systems. Unfortunately, due to the extensive Roman and later constructions, much of the Bronze Age artifacts and structures in Aizanoi have been lost or remain undiscovered.

• The Development of Aizanoi

Aizanoi flourished as a city under the Phrygian and, later, the Hellenistic periods. But it reached its zenith during the Roman era, particularly during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The city became a crucial economic and cultural hub, known for its production of grain, wine, and wool.

Aizanoi was adorned with grand structures, including temples, bridges, baths, and the unique theater-stadium complex, reflecting the city's prosperity. The Temple of Zeus in Aizanoi, one of the best-preserved temples in Anatolia, showcases the city's significance during this period.

• Post-Roman Aizanoi and Modern Rediscovery

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Aizanoi became part of the Byzantine Empire and later fell under Seljuk and Ottoman rule. Over centuries, the ancient city was largely forgotten and eventually buried under layers of earth until the 19th century, when European archaeologists began to excavate and rediscover its historical significance.

The city was rediscovered by European travelers in 1824 and surveyed and identified between the years of 1830 and 1840. The scientific excavations within Aizanoi were launched in 1926 by D. Krencker and M. Schede on behalf of the German Archeological Institute, and presently the excavations are being carried out by Pamukkale University.

The city of Aizanoi offers a fascinating glimpse into the progression of human civilizations, from its Bronze Age roots to its peak in Roman times. Despite many of its ancient secrets remaining shrouded in mystery, the city's unique architectural gems, like the theater-stadium complex, provide invaluable insights into the cultural and societal practices of antiquity. The ongoing archaeological efforts hold the promise of revealing even more about Aizanoi's significant past.

Aizanoi's Unique Theater-Stadium Complex

The theater and stadium of Aizanoi are intricately connected structures, built adjacent to each other and separated only by a colonnaded street. This union is rare, as these two types of buildings were typically separate, serving distinctive purposes and catering to different types of crowds.

The theater, a semi-circular structure built in the traditional Roman style, could house approximately 13,000 spectators. Decorated with finely carved stone seats, the theater served as a focal point for cultural and social activities, hosting performances that ranged from tragedies and comedies to musical recitals. The theatrical performances often reflected society's values, fears, and aspirations and played a crucial role in civic life.

Adjacent to this lies the stadium, designed for athletic competitions and games. A long, U-shaped track encloses a field used for various sports, including chariot races, wrestling, and running races. Capable of accommodating up to 20,000 spectators, the stadium's design is influenced by Hellenistic models, aligning with the Greek ideal of a healthy mind in a healthy body.

A masterpiece of architectural design

The theater and stadium that make up the entertainment and cultural complex are situated in Aizanoi's northern region. It represents the significance of the city and the prosperity of its citizens in earlier times. The theater and stadium in Aizanoi were constructed next to one another, creating a complex that is thought to be one of a kind in antiquity. The staging structure divides the two. Excavations and study conducted between 1982 and 1990 revealed that the building's construction began in 160 AD and continued through the middle of the third century AD. Many inscriptions were discovered and restored to their original locations while repairs were being made to the eastern side of the stadium's entrance. The fact that M. Apuleius was named in the inscriptions of the main bridge and made a significant contribution to the construction of this complex is revealed by these inscriptions.

The stadium's seating rows are polygonal, therefore the construction widens in the middle. There is a door on the western side, where it is widest. The only façade of the stadium that faces the theater is a marble-covered wall. This is also the rear of the stage in a theater. The marble fragments may still be seen today in the stadium's north. This façade wall's low pedestal has a Doric design. There are two levels, and the tall Attika floor with an arch is located on top. The theater's stage was adorned with priceless marble ornamentation. Throughout history, there have been numerous earthquakes that caused these decorations to fall upon the seated rows. The building was initially constructed with only one story, according to researchers who looked at the marble carvings on the stage. As the stadium was later expanded, a second storey was constructed. The front of the structure, composed of cut limestone, had a relatively tiny percentage of the marble components that were still in place. These broken marble fragments include sections of a frieze that shows a hunting scene.

According to estimates, the stadium could hold another 13,500 spectators, while the theater could hold 20,000. Yet, the architectural design that allowed them to be built adjacent to one another, forming an entertainment complex, is what makes this dual structure special, not its size. The stage building separates the theater from the stadium, which is next to it. It is a singular solution since archaeologists have not discovered a similar one from prehistoric times anywhere else in the world.

Regrettably, both structures were severely destroyed by the periodic earthquakes. Only a portion of the theater's audience and stage have been retained in this instance. The bottom level of the theater frequently floods in the spring. A intact portion of the wall with carved medallions bearing the names of the winners may be seen on the right side of the stadium when viewed from the main road.

The Significance of the Adjacency

The proximity of these two structures in Aizanoi is an architectural marvel, symbolizing the coexistence of different forms of entertainment in antiquity. The construction of such a complex would have required not just a significant investment of resources but also a certain vision that appreciated and valued both the cultural and physical elements of entertainment.

Moreover, the combined complex could have facilitated larger gatherings and events, including city-wide festivals, where the activities might have ranged from theatrical performances to sporting events. It's a testament to the city's organizational capabilities, suggesting an advanced level of societal development.

The theater-stadium complex of Aizanoi is indeed unique in the ancient world. It paints a vivid picture of a city where art, culture, and athleticism coexisted, enriching society. It's an extraordinary testament to the architectural ingenuity and societal structures of the time, providing insights into a past that celebrated diversity and inclusivity in its entertainment forms.

Today, the Aizanoi stands as a symbol of our collective heritage, a testament to the ancient world's architectural prowess, and an invitation to revisit and appreciate the complexities and grandeur of the past.