Nymphaeum

Photo Comments

Looking north. 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.

On both sides of the Nymphaeum there are staircases that lead up to the acropolis of Perga.

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

The viewer is reminded that in the book of Revelation (22:1-2) that " . . . the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."

For a detail of the stone work on the Nymphaeum click here. For a detail of a similar deity from a Nymphaeum (from Ephesus) click here.

For a brief description of the biblical and historical significance of Perge click here.