Isaura (Nova)/Leontopolis

Located within the mountainous region of ancient Isauria, in present-day Turkey, Isaura Nova was a city of strategic importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods. This settlement, notable for its robust fortifications and defensive position, was also known as Leontopolis for a period. It served as an administrative and military center in the challenging geography of the region.

History

While the exact foundation date of Isaura Nova is unknown, the city is believed to have risen to prominence particularly during the Roman and early Byzantine periods. Its name, meaning "New Isaura," distinguishes it from Isaura Vetus (Old Isaura), an older settlement in the region. The Isaurian region, due to its mountainous terrain and independent-minded local populace, was a constant area of struggle for the Roman Empire. Isaura Nova functioned as a strategic garrison city, aimed at establishing imperial authority and maintaining control in this challenging geography. The city's adoption of the name Leontopolis is generally associated with the Byzantine Emperor Leo I, who reigned in the 5th century, or a later emperor, Leo III. This name change may indicate a rebuilding or increased importance of the city during the Byzantine period. As an important part of the province of Isauria within the Roman Empire's provincial system, Isaura Nova played a key role in suppressing regional revolts and ensuring the security of trade routes.

Geographic Location

Isaura Nova is situated near the Bozkır district of present-day Konya province, amidst the rugged and steep terrain of the Taurus Mountains. With coordinates 37.190353, 32.353545, the city was built on a hill dominating the surrounding valleys and passes, in the heart of the Isaurian region. This location provided the city with a natural defensive advantage, while also offering the ability to control access to surrounding agricultural areas and settlements. The challenging geography of the region allowed Isaura Nova to play a critical role both in its protection against external threats and in regional oversight. The city served as a bridge between the strategically important passes of inner Anatolia and Cilicia, acting as a connecting point with neighboring cities and regions.

Significance in Antiquity

Isaura Nova held great importance in antiquity primarily as a military and administrative center. The geographical structure of Isauria and the occasional resistance of its populace to central authority compelled the Roman and Byzantine empires to maintain strong garrisons here. As one of the most important of these garrisons, Isaura Nova was tasked with maintaining order in the region, suppressing revolts, and securing strategic passes. The city's renaming as Leontopolis suggests that it received special attention from the empire during the Byzantine period and perhaps was transformed into a critical point within the imperial border defense system. Economically, it benefited from its limited surrounding agricultural lands and perhaps from the control of regional trade routes. From a religious perspective, there is a possibility that it was an episcopal see during the early Christian period, which could have increased the city's importance not only as a military but also as a spiritual center.

Coinage

Isaura is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 2 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in silver. You can browse the city's coins in the Other Ancient Regions coins list.

Archaeological Remains

The archaeological remains of Isaura Nova that survive to the present day reveal the city's past strategic importance and grandeur. The most striking remains are the robust city walls, which encircle the settlement and are remarkably well-preserved. These walls offer significant insights into the city's defensive capabilities. Within the city, remains of public buildings, traces of civilian habitation, aqueducts, and necropolis areas have also been identified. Notably, church ruins dating to the Byzantine period provide clues about the city's religious life during the Christian era. Excavations and surface surveys continue to provide further information about the city's architectural structure and settlement pattern.

Today

Today, Isaura Nova is located within the borders of the Bozkır district of Konya province, Turkey, near Hacılar Village. Access to the region is by road, typically via private vehicles or local public transport options. The ancient city remains function as an open-air museum, offering visitors the opportunity to experience how an imperial settlement existed in the challenging geography of ancient Isauria. The site is generally under protection, and archaeological research is ongoing.