Alabanda, also known as Antiochia of the Chrysaorians, is an ancient city located in the Caria region of Anatolia, near the modern-day village of Doğanyurt in the Çine district of Aydın Province, Turkey. The city’s name is believed to come from the Carian words “ala” (horse) and “banda” (victory), with a legend stating it was named after a horse race victory.

History

• Early History: The oldest records of Alabanda go back to the Hittite Kingdom, where it was known as Waliwanda. It was also a large Phrygian city during the Persian campaign in 480 BCE.

• Hellenistic Period: Alabanda was part of the Chrysaorian League, a federation of Carian cities. For a time, it was renamed Antiochia of the Chrysaorians in honor of the Seleucid king Antiochus III.

• Roman and Byzantine Periods: The city prospered under Roman rule and was known for its wealthy and luxurious lifestyle. Later, it became a bishopric center during the Byzantine Empire.

• Decline: The city was taken over by Turks in the 11th century and later by the Crusaders before permanently returning to Turkish rule in 1280.

Notable Structures and Features

The ruins of Alabanda, though not as well-known as some other ancient sites, offer a glimpse into its rich history. Key structures include:

• City Walls: The remains of the 4.5-5 km long fortification walls are still visible.

• Bouleuterion: A well-preserved council house.

• Theater: A Hellenistic theater that was later adapted for Roman spectacles like gladiatorial combat.

• Agora: The ruins of a large marketplace measuring 112 x 72 meters.

• Temples: Foundations of two temples have been discovered, one of which is believed to be dedicated to Artemis and another to Zeus.

• Necropolis: An ancient cemetery with various tombs and sarcophagi.

The city’s artifacts, many of which were discovered during excavations by Halil Ethem Bey in the early 20th century, are now housed in the Aydın Museum.

The ancient city of Alabanda is notable for its well-preserved, though still partially buried, monumental structures, including several significant public and religious buildings. Recent archaeological work has shed new light on their history and purpose. 

Temples of Apollo and Artemis/Zeus

Alabanda was home to multiple temples, with the remains of two major ones identified. 

• Temple of Apollo Isotimos: Located southwest of the agora, this temple was built in the 2nd century BCE in the Ionic style. It had a column arrangement of 8 by 13 columns. The temple was dedicated to Apollo Isotimos, a name meaning “equal in honor,” suggesting that the people of Alabanda considered Apollo to be of equal importance to their local Carian deity, Zeus Chrysaoreus. Excavations have revealed fragments of a marble frieze from this temple depicting an “Amazonomachy”—a battle between the Greeks and the legendary Amazon warriors. 

• Doric Temple: Situated on a terrace on the western side of the city, this temple was originally identified as the Temple of Artemis. This identification was based on a figurine of Artemis-Hekate found at the site during early 20th-century excavations. However, more recent archaeological findings, including an altar with a labrys (double-headed axe), an attribute of the Carian god Zeus Chrysaoreus, have led excavators to believe the temple was, in fact, dedicated to Zeus. The temple, dating from the 4th century BCE, had a Doric plan with 6 by 11 columns and was constructed from granite and gneiss covered with a stucco that mimicked marble. 

The Theater

The Hellenistic theater of Alabanda is one of the city’s most prominent and best-preserved structures. It is located on a natural south-facing hillside. 

• Hellenistic Design: The theater was constructed during the Hellenistic period, and its design reflects this with a seating area (cavea) that extends beyond a perfect semicircle. It had a seating capacity of around 6,200 spectators, arranged in seven sections (cunei). 

• Roman Modifications: During the Roman period, the theater was adapted for new uses. A stone balustrade was installed in front of the lowest rows of seats, likely to protect spectators during gladiatorial combats and animal fights, which became popular Roman entertainments. 

• Stage and Orchestra: While the seating has been heavily plundered over the centuries, the stage building and orchestra area still show signs of their original form. Some parts of the substructure, including barrel-vaulted corridors, are particularly well-preserved. 

The Bouleuterion (Council House)

Alabanda’s bouleuterion is a significant public building from the late Hellenistic period, located just north of the agora. 

• Architecture: It is a large, rectangular building measuring 36 by 26 meters. The north and south walls are relatively well-preserved, standing up to 9 meters high in some sections. The walls are notable for their construction from alternating layers of thick and thin stone blocks. 

• Interior Features: The interior featured semicircular rows of seats for the council members, a stage, and a speaker’s platform. The building had entrances on all four sides. Although the roof and much of the interior have collapsed, parts of the seating rows are still intact, providing a clear idea of the building’s function as a place of political assembly and discussion. 

• Comparison to Other Sites: The building’s design has been compared to the bouleuterions found in other major ancient cities, such as Miletus and Heracleia ad Latmum, indicating a shared architectural style and function across the region.