Located in the ancient region of Commagene, at a strategic crossing point on the Euphrates River, this ancient city was founded by the Seleucids in the 3rd century BCE. During the Roman Empire, it became an important legionary base and trade center, notable for its rich mosaics and architecture. Today, it is known for its parts submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam, within the provincial borders of Gaziantep.

History

The ancient city was founded around 300 BCE by Seleucus I Nicator, the founder of the Seleucid Empire, under the name "Seleukeia on the Euphrates." The city was strategically established to protect the empire's eastern borders and control the crossing over the Euphrates. It maintained its existence as an important center throughout the Hellenistic Period, situated at the crossroads of trade routes between East and West. In 64 BCE, with Pompey's reorganization of Anatolia, it came under the dominion of the Roman Empire and its name was changed to "Zeugma"; this name meant "bridge" or "crossing point" and emphasized the city's role on the Euphrates. During the Roman period, particularly from the late 1st century BCE onwards, it became a military base, hosting the Legio IV Scythica. This situation led to great prosperity for the city, both militarily and economically. In the 3rd century CE, it was subjected to Sasanian attacks and sacked by Shapur I in 252 CE. Although these attacks led to the city's weakening, it continued to exist as a small settlement during the late Roman and early Byzantine periods.

Geographic Location

This ancient city is located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, near the Nizip district of present-day Gaziantep province, on the west bank of the Euphrates River. Its strategic location at one of the most important crossing points of the Euphrates enabled the city to play a key role, both militarily and commercially, throughout history. Situated on the western border of the Commagene region, the city served as a natural bridge between east and west. It was connected to important cities such as Perre in Adıyaman to its north, and Dura Europos in Syria to its south. While the valley formed by the Euphrates River offered fertile lands for agriculture, the river itself was a vital route for waterway transportation. This unique geographic location formed the foundation of the city's wealth and cultural diversity.

Significance in Antiquity

The ancient city gained particular importance during the Roman Empire. Being one of the busiest crossing points on the Euphrates River made it a gateway to Mesopotamia. This strategic location enabled the city to play a central role, both militarily and economically. The city served as an important military base, hosting the Legio IV Scythica, which protected Rome's eastern borders. This military presence brought with it Roman culture and prosperity. Its location on the Silk Road and other important trade routes also made the city a vibrant commercial hub. Spices, silk, and precious stones from the East, and manufactured goods from the West, changed hands here. The city's wealth is clearly demonstrated by the discovered luxury villas, public buildings, and especially its world-renowned mosaic collection. Religiously, the city also possessed a rich cultural structure, with both Greco-Roman deities and local gods being worshipped.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. Although historical sources and archaeological findings indicate the city's strategic and economic importance during the Seleucid and Roman periods, there are no clear numismatic data suggesting it possessed the authority to mint its own coins. It is believed that coins minted by other important cities and imperial mints in the region were used for trade and daily life.

Archaeological Remains

The city gained worldwide fame, particularly in the late 1990s, with rescue excavations that emerged during the construction of the Birecik Dam. Among the remains visible today and exhibited in museums, the unique mosaics that reveal the city's wealth and artistic aesthetic stand out. The "Gypsy Girl" mosaic is the most famous among them. Furthermore, remains of Roman villas, public buildings, the agora, baths, and city walls have also been partially unearthed. The footprints of the ancient bridge over the Euphrates River and the harbor structures along the riverbank also shed light on the city's commercial past. Sculptures, frescoes, ceramics, and other daily use items uncovered during the excavations provide valuable information about the ancient city's lifestyle and cultural richness. Some parts submerged under the dam waters also hold significant potential for underwater archaeology.

Today

Today, the ancient city is located within the borders of Nizip district of Gaziantep province, near Belkıs village. Due to the threat of being submerged under the waters of the Birecik Dam, a large part of it has been documented through rescue excavations and its artifacts retrieved. The majority of the archaeological finds from the city are exhibited in the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep, and the museum is considered one of the largest mosaic museums in the world. The region, easily accessible by road, is an important destination for cultural tourism.