Comama/Col. Iulia Augusta Prima Fida

Comama, located in southwestern Anatolia near the intersection of the Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia regions, is an important Roman colony, particularly known as "Col. Iulia Augusta Prima Fida" during the Roman Imperial period. This ancient settlement functioned as a strategic center, consolidating Roman rule amidst the challenging conditions of the mountainous Pisidian geography. The city served both as a symbol of Roman interaction with local Anatolian cultures and played a critical role in the administrative and economic structure of the region.

History

The origins of Comama date back to the pre-Roman period, to the settlements of the local Pisidian peoples. Pisidia, known for its mountainous and rugged geography, presented significant resistance to Rome's efforts to establish dominance in the region. The most significant turning point in Comama's historical trajectory was its acquisition of colonial status during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus. The name "Colonia Iulia Augusta Prima Fida" clearly emphasizes the city's loyalty and importance to the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and particularly to Augustus. The epithet "Prima Fida" (First Loyal or Most Loyal) may indicate the city's early and strong allegiance to Rome or its fidelity during a specific event. Such colonies were typically founded to strengthen Rome's military and administrative presence in the region, disseminate Roman culture, and provide land for retired soldiers. From the 1st century CE onwards, Comama became an important city within the Roman provincial system, likely attached to the province of Galatia or later Lycia et Pamphylia. The city maintained its prosperity during the Roman period but lost its significance during Late Antiquity and the Byzantine era, concomitant with general political and economic changes in the region.

Geographic Location

Comama is situated in a mountainous terrain within the borders of modern Turkey's Burdur province, at coordinates 37.322094 latitude and 30.314319 longitude. This location places Comama at the intersection of the Lycia, Pamphylia, and particularly the Pisidia regions. The typically rugged and mountainous structure of Pisidia enhanced the city's strategic importance. Comama, located at a point controlling the surrounding valleys and mountain passes, played a key role in the region's trade routes and military movements. Among neighboring cities, it served as a connecting point between important Pisidian centers like Cremna and Sagalassos to the north, and the coastal cities of Pamphylia to the south. This geographic location both strengthened the city's defensive potential and shaped its cultural and economic interaction with surrounding regions.

Significance in Antiquity

Comama held great significance in antiquity, particularly due to its privileged status as a Roman colony. As a "Colonia," Roman law and administrative structure were directly applied, and it was settled by Roman citizens and retired legionaries. This made Comama an outpost for the dissemination of Roman culture and sovereignty in the mountainous and independent-spirited regions of Pisidia. Politically, it was a center representing Roman authority and holding sway in regional administration. Economically, thanks to its strategic location, it served as a crossroads for the trade of local agricultural products (cereals, grapes, olives) and livestock products. Furthermore, the establishment of the Roman colony brought new infrastructure investments (roads, aqueducts) and economic activities to the region, raising its prosperity level. Religiously, the city contained both temples dedicated to local Anatolian deities (e.g., mother goddess cults) and places of worship for the gods of the Roman pantheon, indicating a cultural synthesis.

Coinage

Comama is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 8 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in bronze and silver. You can browse the city's coins in the Pisidia coins list.

Archaeological Remains

The current archaeological remains of Comama offer clues about the city's former importance. As a Roman colony, traces of typical Roman architecture are expected to be found in the city. These may include the agora or forum area forming the city center, official buildings, temples, baths, and public structures such as a theater or odeon. Furthermore, remains of city walls and necropolis areas may be visible around the city. However, since Comama has not yet undergone extensive archaeological excavation, a large portion of these remains lies buried or scattered on the surface. Surface surveys typically provide information about the city's extent through scattered traces such as pottery fragments, architectural elements, and building foundations. These remains hold the potential to offer significant data regarding the city's settlement pattern and architectural style during the Roman period.

Today

The ancient settlement of Comama is located today in a rural area within the borders of modern Turkey's Burdur province. Access to the ancient city is generally possible by private vehicle or with local guides, as it is not yet a major tourist destination. Given the region's natural beauty and its proximity to other ancient cities, Comama has the potential to attract more interest in the future. The surface remains and geographic location offer visitors a unique perspective on life in an ancient Roman colony in mountainous Pisidia.