Ruins and Monuments

Ankara has been a trade center and a route of caravansaries during the Seljuk and Ottoman Empire periods with the exporting of cloths made of famous Ankara goat hair (Angora). Many artifacts of Phrygian period have been found on the excavations at tumuli near the area.

Moreover there are several remains of Persian, Galatian and Roman civilizations. The city now you are living in has many stories dating well back. Don't forget you are in Anatolia, the cradle of civilizations…

Augustus Tapınağı (Temple of Augustus)
Temple of Augustus was built in 10 AD by the Galatian King, Pylamenes on the ruins of the first temple constructed here that was dedicated to Goddess Men of Phrygians on 2nd century BC. The temple is formed of eight rows, with 15 pillars in each row. The testament of Augustus original of which is at Rome Temple, is engraved on the walls of the temple in Latin and Greek. This structure is also important for referring to the deeds of Augustus, which are also written in Latin. The military and political events between BC 43 and AD 14 has been specified on the testament text. The plan of the temple resembles the Artemis Temple in Manisa. In 5th Century, the temple is converted into a church by the Byzantines. Later, when Ankara was conquered by the Seljuks in the 2nd century Hacı Bayram mosque has been built next to the northwest of the temple. Today only the two walls and the door section stands.

Roma Hamamı (The Roman Baths)
Roma hamamý is located on Çankırı Caddesi near Ulus on a platform 2.5 meter high. It was built by the Roman Empire Caracalla (211-217). This platform has known to be a tumulus and layers of Roman, Seljuk and Phrygian times has been found on excavations made in 1937. The bath, which has completely been brought to light on 1940-1943, is 80 x 130 meters and made of stones and bricks. It consists of swimming pool, cool and hot rooms, undressing room and was used for almost five centuries and restored from time to time. It also carries specific signs of Roman times that baths were also used for wrestling and physical education. Today a very rich collection of Roman writings found near Ankara is being exhibited here.

Julianus Sütunu (Column of Julianus)
The Julianus Column on the park at Hükümet Meydanı, Ulus is of Byzantium style and has no inscriptions on it. The height is 15 meters and contains several rings around its body. It is supposed that the column was constructed in the honor of Emperor Julianus (AD 361-363) while he was passing through Ankara.

Ankara Roma Tiyatrosu (Ankara Roman Theatre)
The remains of a typical Roman theater of 2nd century were first been found as the result of excavations in 1982. The art works also found at these excavations are being exhibited at Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi.

Eti yokuşu
Tools belonging to Antique Stone Age were found on the excavations near Çubuk Çayý, 5 km. north of Ankara. Also on top there were remains of Antique Bronze Age culture and finally ruins of a big Roman period palace.

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