One - Off Historical Sites

On our last study tour, almost a month ago, we saw so many ruins that it is difficult to keep them and their individual histories straight after awhile. Some are quite well-known on the tourist circuit such as Epheus (which already received its own blogpost). Another ancient (but not historic?) tourist site I particularly enjoyed was the white travertines of Pamukkale; it's difficult for me to beat good natural beauty. Of course, it also helped that we were able to walk through the ruins above of Hierapolis (a World UNESCO site) immediately beforehand.

But what has stuck out in my mind about some of them is how off the beaten track they seemed and in what incredible condition they are (maybe they are related?). An example is the ruins of Aphrodisias. Of course, it made a huge difference that we were outside of the major tourist season, so several times we were literally the ONLY people at the site, including this one. Now THAT'S the way to see some ruins. Another very memorable one was our trip to Assos on the Aegean Sea. It seemed like it popped out of nowhere on our bus trek, but it yielded the Temple of Athena where Aristotle was invited to study for several years.

I have included several photos of the most memorable on this tour, although I have a lot more to share later personally. What they have in common is the uniqueness of each of these particular sites, at least for me in terms of other historical ruins I have seen in past travels. - Alan

Roman theater of Hierapolis

What must be done (I guess) with all the 'extra' ruins at sites
before they are completely restored - moved out of the way

 

Temple of Aphrodite

Aphrodisias architecture

Aphrodisias stadium

Aphrodisias Tetrapylon gateway

Our tour guide Mehmet Bey and I enjoying a warm mineral foot
bath while walking barefoot down the chilly slopes of Pamukkale

Literally, in the footsteps of Aristotle
Temple of Athena - Assos