The Antonine Fountain of Sagalassos

Shariq Ali
Valueversity

The ancient city of Sagalassos, nestled in the mountains of southwestern Turkey, was called the “City in the Clouds” due to its high altitude. During the Roman era, it was also known as the “First City of Pisidia,” and because of its prosperity, it stood as a rare example of urban planning. It was in this era, during the 2nd century CE, that the Antonine Fountain was built. This was not only a source of water supply but also a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture and engineering.

Located at the edge of the Upper Agora, the fountain stretched 28 meters long and 9 meters high, built from seven different types of stone. At its center flowed a 4.5-meter cascade, falling into a basin that could hold 81 cubic meters of water. Its arched sections, ornate columns, and exquisite sculptures made it the most captivating sight of the city. Here, water was not used merely to quench thirst, but it was also seen as a symbol of social gathering and state prestige.

The sophistication of Roman engineering lay in its use of natural springs and streams, where water was first purified through a filtration basin at the top before flowing further. This system provided the citizens with remarkable facilities for health and hygiene.

Unfortunately, centuries of earthquakes and plagues left Sagalassos deserted. Archaeological excavations in the late 20th century rediscovered the fountain, and in 2010 it was restored to flow once again with water from its original spring. Today, this fountain stands amidst the ruins, reminding visitors that water is not only life but also the very source of civilization and culture.