This was an in-depth guided tour of the two ancient cities of Aspendos and Perge,
There is a difference between travelling to see the sights and immersing oneself in the history and culture of a region. You have accomplished the latter and by so doing, brought the past alive.
I felt as I was following you through the ruins that these stones still live - that the magic and mystery of the great amphitheatres wasn't lost to time but could still be experienced in the modern age.
Your anecdote about a whisper being heard in the amphitheatre at Aspendos made my knowledge of Zeno and Roman culture take on new meaning. It's easy to look at ruins and just see massive stonework, but it's quite another thing to envision people there, walking about and living their lives and watching theatrical performances shielded by the airy colonnades.
The skene building is impressive - the exterior photos show an extremely well-preserved structure that almost looks modern.
Personally, I found the site at Aspendos to be the more compelling of the two cities simply because it was more compact and better preserved.
I admire your tenacity and diligence though in braving the sun and enduring the stifling heat in order to present a full account of these two ancient sites.
Previously, I felt I knew Marcus Aurelius through his memoirs, The Meditations and other Stoic writings, but now I feel I know something of the world in which he lived thanks to your faithful depiction of the these sites and their history.
A thorough tour of two fascinating ancient cities, sssj.