Aphrodisias: The Sculptural Capital of the Ancient World and the Magic of Marble

A hidden paradise in Aydın’s Karacasu district: Aphrodisias. This unique city, one of the most important art and culture centers of the ancient world, is dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. However, what truly brought fame to Aphrodisias was its unparalleled mastery in sculpture and the magic of marble.

The Dance of Marble: Aphrodisias’ Secret to Sculpture

The greatest secret behind Aphrodisias’ success in sculpture lies in the unique marble deposits located just north of the city. This marble, adorned with elegant veins of white and gray, was a miracle for artists with its ease of workability and durability. Thanks to its soft texture, even the finest details could be carved, and as it came into contact with air, it hardened, allowing for the creation of works that defied time.

This unique marble resource transformed Aphrodisias into a veritable sculpture production center. The sculptures produced here not only adorned the city’s streets but also spread across a wide geography from Rome to Ephesus, Pergamon to North Africa. The abundant marble resource allowed artists to practice and improve themselves continuously, giving rise to a mastery passed down from generation to generation.

The School of Sculpture: The Master-Apprentice Tradition in Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias was known not only as a city but also as a school of sculpture. Here, young artists were trained in a master-apprentice relationship, becoming proficient in many areas from stone craftsmanship to detailed reliefs, from human figures to god statues. Students first learned basic stone craftsmanship, then moved on to advanced techniques such as facial feature carving and accurate muscle structure representation. One of the most important artistic skills developed in Aphrodisias was the incredible realism in facial expressions. The sculptures were so lifelike that they gave the feeling of being about to move at any moment.

Rome’s Favorite: The Traces of Aphrodisian Sculptors in the Empire

Aphrodisias was not only the favorite sculpture production center of Anatolia but also of the Roman Empire. Emperors and elites commissioned Aphrodisian sculptors to create their best portraits. The great monuments and temples in Rome were adorned with works from the hands of masters from here. Today, Aphrodisian sculptures displayed in many important museums such as the British Museum, the Louvre, and the Istanbul Archaeological Museum are the greatest proof of how this city became a cultural center in the ancient world.

Discovering Aphrodisias: A Journey in the Footsteps of the Past

The sculptural heritage of Aphrodisias continues to be unearthed through excavations. The excavations initiated by the famous archaeologist Kenan Erim in 1961 bring the secrets of this ancient city to the present day. Structures such as the Temple of Aphrodite, the Sebasteion Temple, the massive stadium, and the monumental Tetrapylon Gate reveal the splendor of Aphrodisias.

Aphrodisias went down in history not only as an ancient city but also as a center where art and sculpture reached their peak. The masters trained here pushed the boundaries of art by shaping marble like fabric. Even today, Aphrodisian sculptures continue to be a source of inspiration for art historians and archaeologists.

This article is based on the article by Nazife Yavaşoğlu published in Yeni Söke Gazetesi: Dünyadan sipariş yağıyordu! Aphrodisias heykelcilikte neden rakipsizdi?