Aspendus was an ancient city in Pamphylia, Asia Minor, located about 25 miles (40 km) east of the modern city of Antalya, Turkey. The Greek spelling of the name is Aspendos.  The city was founded around 1000 B.C. by Greeks who possibly came from Argos. Aspendus had become the most important city in Pamphylia in the 5th century B.C.. At that time the Eurymedon  River (Kopru Cayi) was navigable as far as Aspendus, and the city derived great wealth from a trade in salt, oil, and wool.
In 333 B.C. Aspendus paid Alexander the Great a siege to avoid being garrisoned, but it ignored its agreements with him and later was occupied. In 190 B.C. the city surrendered to the Romans and they pillaged it of its artistic treasures. Toward the end of the Roman period the city began a decline that continued throughout Byzantine times.
Aspendos is known for having the best-preserved theater of antiquity. With a diameter of 96 meters (315 ft), the theater provided seating for 7,000.
The theater was built in 155 by the Greek architect Zenon, a native of the city, during the rule of Marcus Aurelius.
Now with it’s gorgeous architecture and atmosphere of Hellenistic structures, Aspendos Theatre is one of the most popular touristic places in Antalya/ Turkey.
Especially in summer it is possible to find an event, concert or organization that is happening on Aspendos Theatre. For example, the theatre hosts the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival organized by Turkish State Opera and Ballet since 1994, with international participation of opera and ballet companies and an audience of about 10,000.
The Aura of an enormous theatre and the marks of nearly 2000 years of history will make you live an experience that you will never forget.