Aspendos under the Roman rule in the light of epigraphic and numismatic documents

Aspendos is one of the most significant ancient settlements located on the southern coast of Turkey. It is characterized by its grandeur and rich architectural repertoire, making it a remarkable historical heritage. Today, it is situated in the Belkıs of the Serik district in Antalya. The inscriptions Ε, ΕΣ, ΕΣΤ, ΕΣΤF, ΕΣΓ, ΕΣΤFΕΔΙΙΥΣ found on coins dating back to the mid-3rd century BCE have later become associated with Aspendos. Ancient literary texts predominantly portray Aspendos through its foundation myths, with ancient writers expressing various perspectives regarding its establishment. In addition to the foundation myths, Aspendos has played important roles in various historical events. During the Satrap Revolt in the mid-4th century BCE, Aspendos joined forces with the army led by Autophradates, the satrap of Sardis, against Datames, the satrap of Cappadocia. A tax register from 425 BCE includes the name of Aspendos, indicating its membership in the Attica-Delos Naval Confederacy. During Alexander the Great's campaign, emissaries from Aspendos proposed a treaty to protect their city, but when Alexander headed towards Sillyon, the Aspendians failed to comply with his conditions. As a result, Alexander returned to Aspendos, and the Aspendians were forced to accept harsher terms. An inscription found in Aspendos, dating to the reign of Ptolemy I Soter (305/4-284 BCE) or Ptolemy II Philadelphos (285-246 BCE), mentions the assistance provided by soldiers from neighboring regions who gathered to help Aspendos during a particular event. In 220 BCE, Aspendos allied with Achaios and supported Pednelissos by sending 4,000 hoplites to aid him. In 70 BCE, Cicero reported that Gaius Verres, the quaestor of the Cilicia province, had stolen valuable statues from Aspendos and had even taken the precious statue of a skilled harp player to his own home. With the rise of Christianity in the 4th century CE, Aspendos was renamed Primoupolis after a Christian martyr named Primus. The city limits of Aspendos expanded towards the south, and the remnants in this region, such as fortress ruins, date back to the imperial period. Arrianus mentions that Aspendos was built on a steep and high hill, allowing for a clear view of the Eurymedon River. Surrounding the hill and the flat areas are numerous houses, enclosed by a wall. To the west, there is a marketplace, while a Nymphaion is located to the north and a Basilica to the east. A remarkable aqueduct stretches from the north towards the fortress. The name of Tiberius Claudius Italicus, the individual who financed the water supply to the city, is inscribed on this impressive aqueduct. The theater, constructed by the architect Zenon, is situated on the eastern slope of the city and possesses the best-preserved stage building among ancient theaters. This theater structure has survived from the time of Antoninus Pius. The names of the Curtius brothers, who commissioned the construction of the theater, are mentioned in epigraphic texts. Evidence of Aspendos receiving the title of neokoros is known from a coin dating to the reign of Gallienus. Coins from the Roman period continued to be minted until the reign of Soloninus. This study provides an overview of the city's history, cultural life, and administration, utilizing various sources such as epigraphic documents, ancient literary texts, and numismatic data.