Ancyra was an important ancient city strategically located in central Anatolia, serving as the capital of ancient Galatia and later the Roman province of Galatia. It is particularly renowned for the Temple of Augustus, which houses the "Monumentum Ancyranum," the testament of Roman Emperor Augustus. It forms the core of modern-day Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

History

Ancyra's origins trace back to a deep past, extending to the Phrygian and Hittite periods. The city was taken over in the 3rd century BCE by the Celtic-speaking Galatians, who migrated to Anatolia, and became the capital of the Tectosages tribe. During this period, it developed into a significant cultural and political center. With the expansion of the Roman Empire into Anatolia, Ancyra was made the capital of the province of Galatia, established in 25 BCE, and experienced great prosperity and development during the Roman period. One of the city's most important structures from this era, the Temple of Augustus, which contains the full text of the "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (the Deeds of the Divine Augustus) recounting Emperor Augustus's life and achievements, was constructed. The name Ancyra, meaning "anchor" in Greek, is rumored to derive from an anchor found here by the Phrygian King Midas. During the Byzantine period, the city maintained its existence as an important military center due to its strategic location.

Geographic Location

Ancyra was founded in a strategic location in the heart of the Central Anatolian plateau, close to fertile lands and water sources. Its position at the crossroads of important trade routes extending from east to west and north to south ensured the city's great significance, both militarily and commercially, from ancient times. Being an extension of the ancient Persian Royal Road and later a junction for Roman roads, Ancyra was prompted to establish strong connections with surrounding cities (e.g., Pessinus, Gordion) and become the region's logistical hub. This central location played a key role in making the city an attractive center for various civilizations.

Significance in Antiquity

Ancyra held great significance in antiquity, both politically and religiously. Politically, it was the center of administrative power in the region, first as the capital of Celtic Galatia, and subsequently of the Roman province of Galatia. Its role as the residence of Roman governors and the meeting place for the provincial council increased the city's political weight. Religiously, the temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus and Roma was the city's most prominent symbol. The "Monumentum Ancyranum" (Monument of Ancyra) housed within it is an invaluable source for world history, being the most complete surviving copy of Augustus's autobiography. The city also featured cults dedicated to Zeus and local Anatolian deities. Economically, it boasted vibrant commercial activity due to its position at the crossroads of trade routes and the surrounding agricultural lands.

Coinage

Although our database indicates that Ancyra was not a primary minting city, historical sources and archaeological findings suggest that bronze coins were struck in Ancyra during the Roman Imperial period. These coins typically bore depictions of major deities such as Zeus and the city's local gods. This indicates the city's cultural and economic vitality during the Roman era. These issued coins were generally used to meet local needs and facilitate trade within the province. Although Ancyra's coinage was not as extensive as that of Imperial mints, it possessed the authority to produce its own local issues.

Archaeological Remains

Ancyra's rich past has left numerous archaeological remains, still visible today in the city center of Ankara. The most well-known and significant structure is undoubtedly the Temple of Augustus and Roma. The "Monumentum Ancyranum" inscriptions on the temple walls offer contemporary visitors the opportunity to witness an ancient emperor's words firsthand. Furthermore, the remains of the Roman Baths provide clues about the ancient city's social life, while the Column of Julian, erected in honor of Emperor Julian, emphasizes the city's importance during the Roman period. Ankara Castle (Hisar), with its layers from different periods, reveals the city's defensive history. These remains are intertwined with the modern urban fabric.

Today

Ancient Ancyra is located in the heart of modern Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey. The ancient remains are concentrated in the central areas of the city, particularly in the Ulus district, and are easily accessible for visitors. Ankara possesses a significant transportation network in Turkey, making it easily reachable by air, rail, and road from both within the country and abroad. The legacy of ancient Ancyra forms an important part of the modern capital's identity.