Mural Imperial Cult Complex

This is a  mural that is displayed in the Archaeology Museum in Istanbul of the Imperial Cult Complex—the Sebasteion—that was located in Aphdisias.  The view is from the east looking west at the Sebasteion.

Note the central courtyard that measures 295 ft by 46 ft.  At the far end of this courtyard was the monumental/ceremonial gateway—the propylon, not well-preserved.  Along each of the long sides of the courtyard there was a three-story building, 39 ft. high.  The two upper storys contained carved marble reliefs of deities, Roman rulers, and peoples conquered by Rome.  Over 80 of the 200 original reliefs have been recovered in the excavations.

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The Sebasteion was a complex of structures that served as a municipal imperial cult sanctuary.  It was dedicated to Aphrodite, the main deity of Aphrodisias, and to the "gods Sebastoi"—that is to the "August Ones," namely Julius Caesar and his successors.  Local elite persons built it to solidify their ties with Rome.  Its construction began during the reign of Tiberius and continued into the reign of Nero.