Located in the heart of ancient Cilicia, Tarsus is an important city that has hosted countless civilizations throughout history, distinguished by its strategic location. Situated on the banks of the Cydnus River and close to the Cilician Gates, it became a key hub for both land and sea trade. This city, also known as "Antiochia ad Cydnum" during the Hellenistic Period, experienced great prosperity and cultural richness as the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia during the Roman Empire.

History

The history of Tarsus, as one of the oldest and continuously inhabited settlements in the Cilicia Pedias (Flat Cilicia) region, dates back to the 5th millennium BCE. Archaeological evidence indicates settlement from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages. The city became an important center during the Hittite Empire, subsequently falling under the rule of Neo-Hittite kingdoms, and the Assyrian and Persian Empires. Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Tarsus came under the control of the Seleucid Empire during the Hellenistic Period, and it began to be referred to as "Antiochia ad Cydnum" during this time. With the Roman Empire's annexation of Cilicia in the 1st century BCE, Tarsus became the provincial capital and one of the region's most important metropolises. During this period, it notably hosted important figures such as Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra, and gained a special place in Christian history as the birthplace of Saint Paul. The city continued its development during the Roman and early Byzantine periods, changing hands between Arabs, Byzantines, and Crusaders in the Middle Ages, always maintaining its strategic importance.

Geographic Location

Tarsus is located in southern Anatolia, in the center of the fertile Cilician Plain, on both banks of the Cydnus (Berdan) River. Its proximity to the Cilician Gates (Gülek Pass), situated between the branches of the Taurus Mountains extending to the Mediterranean, provided the city with a unique strategic advantage. This pass is the most important natural land route connecting Inner Anatolia to Syria and Mesopotamia. Furthermore, the city's proximity to the Mediterranean coast (approximately 15-20 km) and the Cydnus River's function as a navigable port reaching the sea at that time, made Tarsus a central hub at the intersection of both terrestrial and maritime trade routes. This geographic location reinforced the city's agricultural wealth and commercial power in the ancient world.

Significance in Antiquity

Tarsus stood out for its multifaceted significance in antiquity. Economically, it was a rich agricultural center thanks to the fertile lands of the Cilician Plain, particularly noted for its production of grain, grapes, and flax. The city was also an important center for trade and craftsmanship; Tarsus's fine linen fabrics and coarse goat-hair cloth, known as "cilicium," were quite famous in the ancient world. Due to its geopolitical location, it also served as a strategic military base and administrative center. Its status as the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia during the Roman Empire lent it significant political and administrative weight. Culturally and religiously, it possessed a cosmopolitan structure where both Greco-Roman deities and local gods were worshipped. It became one of the important centers of Stoic philosophy, producing many renowned philosophers. In Christian history, as the birthplace of Saint Paul, one of Christianity's most important missionaries, it held great spiritual significance as a religious pilgrimage and educational center.

Coinage

Tarsus is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 368 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in silver, bronze and gold. Authorities named on the coins include Alexander Iii Of Macedon, Antiochus Ix Cyzicenus, Antiochus Iii The Great and Demetrius I Soter. You can browse the city's coins in the Cilicia coins list.

Archaeological Remains

As the modern city of Tarsus is built upon the ancient city, most of the ancient remains lie beneath successive layers of settlement. However, some significant structures have still survived to the present day. One of the best-known remains is a Roman-era city gate, popularly known as the "Cleopatra Gate." This gate, still standing today, bears witness to the city's glorious past. Furthermore, sections of the Roman Road, remnants of Roman Baths, and various mosaics have been uncovered during occasional excavations. Saint Paul's Well is an important pilgrimage site for Christians and is believed to be in the garden of Saint Paul's house. The Tarsus Museum exhibits artifacts unearthed from the city, offering important insights into ancient finds. Gözlükule Mound in the city center is a significant archaeological site containing the oldest settlement layers of Tarsus.

Today

Modern Tarsus, rising upon the legacy of ancient Tarsus, is today a large district within Mersin Province. Distinguished by its historical and cultural richness, Tarsus offers visitors the opportunity to trace the footsteps of antiquity and enjoy modern life. Access to the city is quite easy via Adana Şakirpaşa Airport or by road. The city holds significant potential for historical tourism, and visitors can explore ancient remains as well as Tarsus Waterfall and other natural beauties of the city.