Kibyra Ancient City Kibyra Ancient City Located in the Gölhisar district of Burdur, Kibyra is famously called the "City of Gladiators." This ancient settlement, dating back over 2,300 years, was an important hub for both Lydian and Roman civilizations. Set on a hill surrounded by juniper and cedar forests at an elevation between 1,100 and 1,300 meters, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Historical accounts from the Amasian traveler Strabo note that the first residents of Kibyra were Lydians who migrated to the Kabalis area. They founded a city with a perimeter measuring approximately 100 stadiums. Excavations carried out in 2006 uncovered evidence of the city’s strong military presence, including a force of over 30,000 foot soldiers and more than 2,000 cavalry. Kibyra is notable for housing the largest gladiator reliefs from ancient Turkey. Its strategic position made it a key center for regional justice, and the city gained fame for breeding exceptionally swift horses, earning it the title "The City of Fast-Running Horses." The city thrived particularly during the Roman era, and the visible ruins today predominantly date from that period. Originally called Kibyra, the city was devastated by a powerful earthquake in 23 CE. In response, Emperor Tiberius granted a five-year amnesty along with financial support. To express their gratitude, the residents renamed their city Kaesarea Kibyra. Kaesarea Kibyra is home to rare examples of Roman and Byzantine architecture, including a stadium with 9,000 seats and a well-preserved odeon featuring an orchestra area adorned with a distinctive Medusa mosaic. In 2016, the site was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. Among its historical remains are agoras, a main thoroughfare, a large theater capable of seating 9,000 spectators, and underground chamber tombs. One of Kibyra’s most impressive constructions is the stadium, ranked among the top five of its kind. It features a 200-meter running track and could hold up to 12,000 spectators. Initially built for athletic competitions, the stadium was later adapted for gladiatorial contests. Another significant landmark in Kaesarea Kibyra is the ancient theater, which has a seating capacity of 7,000 to 8,000 people. Its steep design and closeness to the stage make it an outstanding example of ancient theater architecture. The original seating arrangement remains intact and is still visible today. Within the ancient city of Kibyra stands an extraordinary building called the Odeon. Serving as a venue for musical and theatrical events, it could accommodate up to 3,500 attendees, making it the largest known odeon in the world. A distinctive highlight of the Kibyra Odeon is the Mosaic of Medusa. This marble mosaic, dating back to the 1st century, portrays the legendary figure Medusa. The center of the odeon’s floor is adorned with Medusa's colorful head, created using the "Opus Sectile" technique. Legend has it that anyone who gazed directly at Medusa’s head would be turned to stone. Another significant structure in Kibyra is the ancient bathhouse, believed to be over 1,800 years old. Ranking as the city’s third-largest building after the stadium and odeon, it covers a total area of 5,400 square meters, with its main structure spanning 2,600 square meters. Its heating system was ingeniously designed to warm the marble floors from underneath, making it the largest bathhouse in Anatolia by covered area. For any questions or further information about the Kibyra Ancient City, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via WhatsApp, and we will reply promptly.