Nymphaeum Close Up

This well–preserved Nymphaeum (water fountain) is located at the north end of the city, at the southern foot of the acropolis, and at the head of the 985 ft. [300 m.] long street (cardo) that ran from here south to the Hellenistic gate.

The Nymphaeum was fed by an aqueduct, and water poured forth from under the reclining headless water god (possibly, Cestrus - also the name of the river to the east of Perge) located in the center of the picture. After this small waterfall from under Cestrus, the sparkling water flowed in the six-foot [2 m.] wide channel - visible in the lower portion of the image - toward the viewer. The water continued to flow in this channel, southward down the 985 ft. [300 m.] long street (cardo) that ran from here to the Hellenistic gate at the southern edge of the city.

The nymphaeum probably dates to the days of Hadrian (A.D. 117–138).