Aphrodisias - Temple of Aphrodite

The Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias, an Ionic pseudo-dipteros of 8 x 13 columns, was built in about 100 B.C. over an earlier shrine (third century B.C.) from which mosaics have survived. The temple, with pronaos and cella only, boasted a huge statue of Aphrodite, more than 3m/10ft tall, of which parts have been recovered. Of the fourteen columns still standing, two have their architrave in place.

Like other temples dedicated to Aphrodite, this one can be presumed to have fulfilled a therapeutic sexual role, prostitution being a feature of the Aphrodite cult practiced by priestesses and female temple slaves (hierodules). Following instructions from the Delphic Oracle, the patrons of the temple donated cult objects of various kinds: Sulla for instance gave a gold crown and double ax, Caesar a statue of Eros.

In the fifth century the Byzantines converted the pagan temple into a three-aisle basilica. Two centuries later the town was renamed Stavropolis (City of the Cross), further severing the links with its pagan past.