In the centre of the plains on a high plateu
in western Turkey stands a temple. Few visitors find their way here except
those drawn by the knowledge that no other temple
in Anatolia is in such a remarkable state of
preservation. Another fascinating feature of the tern-pie
is the inscriptions on the walls
which tell the building’s story.
In one of these inscriptions it writes, ‘(I) Avidius Quietus, greet the senators,
city councillors and the citizens of Aizanoi.
Contention lasting many years over the holy lands dedicated so along ago
to Zeus was finally brought to an end
by the authoritative judgment of his majesty the Emperor.
The temple stands in
Aizanoi, once a city of the Roman province of Asia Minor,
in the former land of Phrygia. It lies near the town of Çavdarhisar, 57 kilometres
from Kütahya. At that time Quietus was the provincial governor, and the emperor
of whom he speaks was Hadrian (117-138), a man with a deep admiration
for
Hellenic culture. Although Hadrian never visited Aizanoi, he held this holy city in
special regard. Aizanoi began life as a modest provincial town, and
became
increasingly wealthy from its exports of grain, wool and wine. |
The time had come for it to trumpet its
fortunes, and it was decided to begin by building a temple dedicated to
Zeus. However, a long-standing dispute over ownership
of the land earmarked for the site presented a serious obstruction. The boundaries of
the temple lands were unclear, and those who worked them refused to pay the rents or
taxes to which they were subject.
Hadrian settled the dispute, and copies of the letters which were
of such significance for the city werelater inscribed on the temple
walls.
As befitted a structure dedicated to Zeus, god of gods, and in
accordance
with Hadrian’s penchant for Hellenic art and architecture,
the temple was constructed of marble, and in a
style incorporating many features of the
Graeco-Anatolian architecture. lending it a Roman
neo-classical character. Furthermore it was built upon a barrel vaulted
substructure.
For what purpose this area, with its impressiveand mystic
atmosphere, was
used is an interesting question. |
