Excavations in the ancient city of Perge have led to the discovery of five statues from different historical periods. Among the discoveries is an approximately two-meter-high statue of Aphrodite, depicted sitting on a dolphin alongside the god Eros. This statue dates back to the 2nd century CE and is believed to be a Roman Imperial Period replica, as noted by Enikos.
Next to the statue of Aphrodite, archaeologists uncovered a 1.87-meter tall statue of a dressed woman, which exhibits characteristics of the Severan Dynasty, according to com.tr.
In the same area, another dressed statue of a woman with similar characteristics was discovered in two separate pieces. During excavation works on the eastern street of the city, a dressed statue of a female figure and a dressed statue of a male figure were unearthed side by side.
Perge, an ancient city in Asia Minor located approximately 15 kilometers from Antalya, was founded during the Hellenistic period around the 3rd century BCE. The city later came under the control of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BCE, during which it became one of the most well-planned cities in Anatolia. Perge is known for its well-preserved findings and is famous for its architecture and marble sculptures, many of which are now displayed in the Antalya Museum.
The ancient city of Perge has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tentative List since 2009. The city reflects the cultural and social dynamics of the period.
Perge's city plan is centered around two main streets running east-west and north-south. Other remarkable structures in Perge include a rectangular agora, high towers, monumental fountains, baths, and colonnaded streets, according to turkiyetoday.com. The 12,000-capacity stadium in Perge, built in the 2nd century BCE, is among Turkey’s best-preserved ancient stadiums.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq