Dawn in Türkiye's ancient city of Kibyra: Where gladiators once roamed

In the district of Gölhisar in Burdur, Türkiye, the ancient city of Kibyra welcomed a stunning spectacle at sunrise on Aug. 29, 2023. The ancient metropolis, renowned for hosting gladiator fights during the Roman Empire, where the longest gladiator friezes in Türkiye from the ancient era have been unearthed, was captured by a drone at daybreak.

The colossal and refined architectural wonders of the Roman era within the city, the Medusa mosaic crafted from colorful marble and a monumental fountain dating back 2,000 years, all presented a visual feast as the sun rose.

Kibyra is an ancient city founded by the Lydians in the seventh century B.C. It became an important trade and port city during the Roman period. It was famous for its ironworking, leatherwork, pottery and horse breeding.

Kibyra is one of the important cities of ancient Anatolia, and its rich history and culture make it one of the important tourism destinations in Türkiye.

The Odeon, which refers to the hall where music and concerts were organized in ancient times, has its largest known dimensions in the world at Kibyra. With a capacity of approximately 3,500 people, it is a globally renowned amphitheater.