Blaundos (Blaundus) Ancient City – Ulubey, Uşak
Perched dramatically on a peninsula-like plateau carved by the deep Ulubey Canyon system, the Blaundos (or Blaundus) Ancient City in Uşak, Türkiye, is a stunning testament to Hellenistic and Roman urban planning. Its strategic location, surrounded by steep cliffs, provided natural fortification, making it a key military and civic center for centuries.
History: From Macedonian Colony to Roman Metropolis
Blaundos was founded in the Hellenistic period, likely by Macedonian soldiers following Alexander the Great's campaigns in Anatolia. It served as a military garrison, controlling important routes between the Aegean coast and inner Anatolia. While its name may have even earlier, Luwian roots, it was under Roman rule, beginning in 133 BC, that the city truly flourished. The Romans transformed the garrison into a bustling city, enhancing it with grand public buildings, temples, colonnaded streets, and aqueducts. The city was a prominent bishopric during the Byzantine era before being gradually abandoned after the 12th century AD.
Key Archaeological Remains and Discoveries
Ongoing excavations since 2018 continue to uncover the city's rich past. For visitors and history enthusiasts, Blaundos offers a wealth of structures to explore:
- City Gate and Fortifications: A well-preserved arched gate, dating back to the Hellenistic period, marks the entrance to the city at its highest point. Traces of the extensive city walls that once encircled the plateau are still visible.
- Temples and Public Spaces: The city was home to several important temples. A northern temple stood near the city gate, while another, identified as the Temple of Demeter, showcases classic Ionic architecture. The remains of a colonnaded main street, a basilica, and other administrative buildings hint at the city's former civic grandeur.
- Roman Stadium: A remarkable Roman-era stadium, built in the 1st century AD, is uniquely positioned at the city's entrance, offering breathtaking views into the canyon. Its layout, stepped entrance, and retaining walls are being progressively unearthed.
- Aqueducts: A sophisticated water system, including nine restored Roman aqueducts, supplied the city with water from a spring 8 kilometers away, highlighting the advanced engineering of the time.
- Theater: Outside the city walls, the remains of a theater are built into a natural slope, a common feature of Greco-Roman city design.
- The Necropolis: Blaundos is famous for its extensive necropolis, the largest known rock cemetery in Anatolia. Hundreds of rock-cut chamber tombs are carved into the canyon cliffs, many featuring house-like facades and intricate interior designs, offering a unique glimpse into the funerary practices of the city's elite.
Blaundos provides a unique window into the life of a rural, fortified city in the borderlands of ancient Lydia and Phrygia. Its dramatic setting, combined with its well-preserved Roman architecture, makes it a must-see destination for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology.
Sources:
- Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaundus
- Arkeonews – https://arkeonews.net/the-stadium-of-the-ancient-city-of-blaundos-is-being-unearthed/
- Turkish Archaeological News - https://turkisharchaeonews.net/
- History Hit - https://www.historyhit.com/locations/blaundus/