Kabeira/Neocaesarea/Diospolis/Sebaste/Hadriane

Kabeira is an important ancient city situated at the strategic crossroads of Pontus and Lesser Armenia, known by many names throughout history, including Kabeira, Neocaesarea, Diospolis, Sebaste, and Hadriane. It served as one of the significant centers for Mithridates VI Eupator during the Kingdom of Pontus. After coming under Roman imperial rule, it became one of the region's leading administrative and cultural cities under the name Neocaesarea. This multi-layered settlement in northeastern Anatolia is notable for its rich historical heritage.

History

While precise information regarding Kabeira's foundation is lacking, the city's importance peaked particularly in the 1st century BCE during the reign of the powerful Pontic ruler Mithridates VI Eupator. Mithridates utilized Kabeira as a significant royal center, military base, and treasury depot. In 72 BCE, a crucial battle occurred near Kabeira between the Roman general Lucullus and Mithridates, which contributed to the weakening of the Kingdom of Pontus. Conquered by Pompey the Great in 63 BCE, the city came under Roman imperial control and was reorganized by Pompey, receiving the name "Neocaesarea" (New Caesarea). From this date onwards, Neocaesarea became an administrative and political center as the capital of the Roman province of Pontus Polemoniacus.

During the Roman Imperial period, the city underwent significant construction activities, particularly during the reigns of Severus and Caracalla, experiencing great prosperity. Neocaesarea became an important religious center in early Christianity, serving as the episcopal see of Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus, who lived in the 3rd century and was known for his miracles. The city maintained its importance during the Byzantine Empire, continuing to be known by various names such as Diospolis, Sebaste, and Hadriane. It was rebuilt and its walls strengthened during the reign of Emperor Justinian (6th century CE). In later periods, the city came under the rule of the Anatolian Seljuks and Ottomans, adopting the name Niksar.

Geographic Location

Kabeira/Neocaesarea is situated in a strategic valley that extends from the southern shores of the Black Sea into the interior, corresponding to the modern-day district of Niksar in Tokat Province, Turkey. It was established in the fertile plain of the Kelkit Valley, an area abundant in riverine resources. This location made the city suitable for agricultural activities and positioned it at the intersection of ancient trade and military routes. Its placement on routes leading to the important Black Sea port cities of Amisos (Samsun) and Sinope, as well as routes extending into inner Anatolia, provided Neocaesarea with a significant strategic advantage.

Its location at a natural transition point between the regions of Pontus and Lesser Armenia caused the city to play a critical role in both cultural exchange and defense. Notable ancient cities in its vicinity include Amaseia (Amasya), Comana Pontica (Gümenek), and Sebastopolis (Sulusaray). This geographic location ensured that Neocaesarea remained one of the most important centers in the region for centuries.

Significance in Antiquity

Kabeira/Neocaesarea held great political and economic significance in antiquity. During the Kingdom of Pontus, it played a critical role, particularly for Mithridates VI Eupator, as a strategic military base, arsenal, and a repository for the royal treasury. Being one of the king's important residences lent the city political weight. After coming under Roman imperial rule, under the name Neocaesarea, it became the largest administrative and political center of the region as the capital of the province of Pontus Polemoniacus. Roman governors resided here, and courts and administrative decisions were made in the city.

Economically, it possessed a rich agricultural economy thanks to the fertile lands of the Kelkit Valley. Its strategic location made the city an important stop for trade conducted from the interior to the Black Sea and vice versa. Local agricultural products and handicrafts were integrated into long-distance trade networks. The city also emerged as a significant religious center during the early Christian period. Its status as the episcopal see of Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus, who lived in the 3rd century and played a major role in the spread of Christianity, endowed Neocaesarea with religious sanctity and made it a cultural focal point. This religious importance continued into the Byzantine period.

Coinage

Kabeira is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 9 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in bronze. You can browse the city's coins in the Pontus coins list.

Archaeological Remains

The remains of Kabeira/Neocaesarea, located beneath and around the modern city of Niksar today, largely lie buried under successive settlement layers. One of the most prominent and accessible remains is the hill on which Niksar Castle stands. This castle encompasses different construction phases spanning from the Kingdom of Pontus to the Byzantine Empire and beyond, rising above the ancient acropolis. The castle walls and some structures within bear witness to the city's long historical past.

Limited excavations and surface surveys have revealed traces of Roman and Byzantine period wall remains, baths, a theater, and church structures. Particularly, Roman-era building foundations and architectural elements offer clues to the city's grandeur during that period. However, the fact that a large part of the city lies beneath modern settlement hinders comprehensive archaeological work and the full unearthing of its remains. In regional museums, ceramic fragments, sculptural examples, architectural elements, and, of course, various ancient coins circulated in the area, recovered from the city, can be seen.

Today

Ancient Kabeira/Neocaesarea is located beneath and around the modern district of Niksar, in Turkey's Tokat Province. Niksar is a vibrant settlement known for its rich historical fabric, natural beauty, and fertile agricultural lands. Access to the city is easily provided by road from Tokat city center. Some ancient traces, such as Niksar Castle, are open to visitors and offer a glimpse into the city's past. However, a large portion of the ancient city has not yet been fully unearthed, and its archaeological potential still awaits discovery.