Nymphaeum of Septimius Severus in Laodikeia

The studies conducted at the Nymphaeum of Septimius Severus in Laodikeia, one of the most important cities of the Lycus Valley, constitute the main theme of this thesis. The Nymphaeum is located to the north of Syria Street, opposite the Central Agora. The inscription on the architrave-frieze block of the Nymphaeum reveals that the monumental structure was dedicated to Zeus Saviour and Septimius Severus (193-211 AD). The fountain (41,60 x 14,30 m) extends on a single island in the east-west direction in a hippodamic system. The "U"-planned rectangular pool structure has a three-storey facade architecture, with the first floor in Composite, the second floor in Corinthian and the third floor in Ionic order. The water for the fountain was supplied from the Water Distribution Terminal II. Five phases were documented and evaluated within the historical scope of the study. The fountain continued to function until the Earthquake of 494 AD with the repairs and arrangements made after the Valens Period Earthquake. After the earthquake, it mostly lost its function, and the area was used as a quarry. The workshop evaluations specific to the building show that in addition to the influences of the Aphrodisias School of Decoration in Laodikeia, the interactions between the cities of the Inner Phrygia Region and the Lycus Valley, especially with Hierapolis, date back to the second half of the first century BC. In addition, these interactions may have taken the form of traveling work of Laodicean masters in different cities, as well as a reciprocal interaction in the form of artists working in different regions coming to the valley to work.