A cinematic journey through the ancient ruins of Perge and Aspendos in 1967
In short: This archival footage captures a 1967 expedition to Turkey, documenting the architectural grandeur of Perge and the Roman engineering of Aspendos. It offers a rare, ground-level perspective on ancient stone craftsmanship, from the intricate carvings of theaters to the functional design of harbor life in Antalya.
Filmed over June 14-15, 1967, this reel documents the structural remnants of Perge, including its columned streets, stadium, and theater. The footage highlights specific construction details, such as lead sockets in column bases and the unique 'cutaway' design of theater seats intended for foot comfort. Beyond the ruins, the film captures the daily rhythm of Antalya, showing wooden fishing boats and traditional Seljuk coppersmiths at work.
The expedition also records the Roman bridge over the Köprüçay River, noting that six of its seven original arches remained visible at the time. The final segments focus on the Aspendos Theatre, providing a detailed look at the stage wall's cornices and carved ledges. These observations, paired with diagrams from the original researchers, offer a technical look at how these ancient spaces were built and utilized.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Turkey 1967 Reel 42 of 52
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