Nysa: A Wonder of Roman Architecture and Engineering The ancient city of Nysa boasts stunning examples of Roman architecture and engineering. The structures, including the stadion, tunnel, and three bridges, were built in harmony with the topography and are well worth a visit. The Gymnasium, where young men received their education, and the Library, are both well-preserved examples of Anatolian architecture. The Library, which was constructed around 130 AD on the west side of the city, served as a library, meeting hall, and court room. The library was renovated either at the end of the 4th century or the beginning of the 5th century AD. Public use of the library ceased completely in the 6th century. The podium friezes of the stage building of the theatre depict scenes from the life of Dionysus, the god of Nysa. The theatre friezes are now on display at the Aydın Archaeological Museum. Agora, Gymnasium, Stadion The Gymnasium, built on the west side of the city in the middle of the 2nd century AD, was used for athletics and education. The Agora, a large market place on the eastern side of the city, features columned porticoes on four sides and dates back to the Late Hellenistic Period, as evidenced by the architectural features of the Eastern Stoa. Agora is surrounded by stoas arranged in the Ionian style with double-row columns in the north and east, and Doric single-row columns in the south and west. And The Theater The theater in Nysa is one of the best-preserved buildings in the area. It was most likely constructed during the Late Hellenistic Period in the 1st century BC. The stage building was built during Hadrian's reign but was destroyed by an earthquake in 178 AD. It was subsequently reconstructed as a three-storey building between 180-200 AD. The Nysa Theater is a typical Anatolian-Roman theater, similar to other ancient theaters in Anatolia. Podium friezes contain important mythological characters and marks from the city's geography.
NYSA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
