The monumental Gate of Side (Vespasian's Gate): Historical background This gate is one of the most impressive grand entrances that have been preserved in Turkey since ancient times. --- 1. General meaning and location · Function: The gate served as the main entrance on the west side of the city, connecting the port area and the main colonnaded street with the city's public center, the Agora and the Theater. · Location: They are located in the western part of the city, directly adjacent to the north side of the Bolshoi Theater and being the entrance to the Agora. It was a strategically important place where the key routes of the city converged. 2. Historical context and dating · Construction period: The gate was built in the Roman period, around the 70s of our era. · Dedication: The Vespasian Gate received its name in honor of the Roman Emperor Vespasian (reign 69-79 A.D.). It was a sign of the city's loyalty to the Roman government and gratitude for the prosperity that Side experienced during this period. · The era of prosperity: The construction of such monumental structures coincided with the "Golden Age" of Side, when the city, being an important port and center of trade (including slaves), possessed significant financial resources. 3. Architecture and description The Vespasian Gate is a magnificent example of Roman monumental architecture, combining the power of elegant decor. · Three-span arch: Originally the gate was a triple arch (triforum). This meant that they had one central, wide passage for chariots and important people, and two side, narrower ones for pedestrians. This design was the standard for Roman triumphal arches and monumental gates throughout the empire. · Decor and decorations: · Niches and statues: The facades of the gates were richly decorated with deep niches containing marble statues. These statues probably depicted the emperor, his family members, gods and other significant figures, which emphasized the power of Rome and the status of the city. · Columns: The niches were framed by elegant columns with Corinthian capitals, which did not carry a structural load, but served exclusively for decorative decoration (semi-columns). · Carved ornaments: The architraves and friezes of the gates were covered with carvings with floral and geometric ornaments. · Multi-tiered structure: Like many Roman arches, the gates were probably two-tiered. The arches of the aisles themselves were located on the first tier, and the second tier was an attic — a solid base wall on which additional statues or commemorative inscriptions (dedicatory cartouches) could be placed. 4. Role in urban infrastructure and symbolic significance · Connecting link: The Vespasian Gate was not just an entrance to the city, but a key node connecting the three main public spaces of Side: the Main Street, the Theater and the Agora. After passing through them, a person got right into the heart of public life. · A symbol of power: Their monumentality was supposed to make an indelible impression on everyone who arrived in the city by sea or by land. They symbolized wealth, power, and loyalty to the Roman Empire. · Triumphal character: Although it was a city gate, its architecture largely repeated the triumphal arches erected in honor of military victories. This emphasized Side's role as a "victorious city," prosperous and powerful. 5. Current status · To this day, mainly the central arch and part of the left one have been preserved. The right passage and most of the second tier collapsed. · Nevertheless, even in the ruins, the scale and splendor of the gates are amazing. Niches for statues, bases of columns and massive stone blocks are clearly visible. · A visit to the Vespasian Gate is included in the standard tour of the ruins of Side and is a mandatory point for understanding the urban structure of the ancient city. --- Bottom line: The monumental Side Gate (Vespasian's Gate) is not just a passage in the wall. It is a grandiose monument of the Roman era, which served as an important architectural element of urban planning, as well as a powerful political statement, and a symbol of the golden age of one of the most significant ports of Pamphylia.

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The archaeological pearl of Turkey, the opportunity to see ancient Greek and Roman buildings with your own eyes: the largest preserved amphitheater in Turkey and majestic columns on the very seashore are what remains of the temple of Apollo, built back in the 2nd century BC. You can walk with pleasure through the glass streets of the city, looking at the artifacts of antiquity. A beautiful, atmospheric place that is definitely worth your attention 📍There is something to see 📍Easy to get on your own 📍 The difficulty is equal to walking Feels like you 're in Greece You can get there by public transport with a transfer in Manavgat👌

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Side Monumental Gate

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