Slowly but
surely, Kibyra is rising from its ashes as excavation and
reconstruction works steadily expose more of its precious monuments. After the
unique Bouleuterion/Odeon with its Medusa mosaic floor, the great Stadium that
could seat 10,000 people, and the impressive theater that offers a wide view
over the landscape, the round Nymphaeum is another magnificent structure (see: The
tempting site of Kibyra).
The Nymphaeum
was built at a time when the city of Kibyra was
reconstructed in three distinctive steps following the earthquake of 23 AD. The
border of the circular central pool was decorated with reliefs. On its edge rested
six columns alternating with sculptures supporting a conical roof that
collapsed in the earthquake of 417 AD. In the last quarter of the 2nd
century AD, a second surrounding pool was arranged around the existing one. It has
been determined that twelve bronze statues were added as testified by the
imprints of the feet on the supporting pedestals. The Nymphaeum
was 7.5 meters
high and had a diameter of 15
meters. Notwithstanding repeated modifications and
additions, the fountain was used well into the 7th century AD.
Presently, the
Nymphaeum is restored to its former glory and the water supply has returned
from the original ancient source. Water flows into the central pool from
the stone figures stretched between the columns, two of which have been attributed
to Herakles and Dionysus. The originals have been moved to the Museum
of Burdur and replaced with
limestone copies.
It must be a
sight for sore eyes as the water brings the city back to life, just like in the
Antonine Nymphaeum of Sagalassos
(see: Sagalassos
in Alexander’s campaign).
[Pictures from TRT Haber]
No comments:
Post a Comment