Cibyra is an important ancient city located at the intersection of the regions of Pisidia, Phrygia, and Caria, near the Gölhisar district of present-day Burdur province. It was notably rebuilt after a major earthquake during the Roman Imperial period and became one of the leading centers of the region. Distinguished by its strategic location and economic power, Cibyra hosts significant archaeological remains that shed light on the rich history of ancient Anatolia.

History

The origins of Cibyra trace back to local settlements in the region dating to the mid-1st millennium BCE. The city came under the influence of Hellenistic culture, especially from the 3rd century BCE onwards, gradually becoming an important center. According to Strabo, Cibyra was initially founded by the Lycians and later captured by the Pisidians. In the 2nd century BCE, the city became the capital of a powerful confederation known as the "Cibyratis Tetrapolis" (Four-City League), together with the neighboring cities of Bubon, Balbura, and Oenoanda. This league was governed by its own laws and possessed a largely independent political structure. Captured in 83 BCE by the Roman commander Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio Nasica, Cibyra was incorporated into the province of Asia, thus coming under Roman rule. Severely damaged in a major earthquake in 23 CE, the city was rebuilt with financial support provided by Emperor Tiberius and briefly took the name "Caesarea Cibyra." Cibyra maintained its prosperity during the Roman Imperial period, retaining its significance through Late Antiquity and the early Byzantine era, but was gradually abandoned in subsequent centuries.

Geographic Location

Cibyra is situated in Southwest Anatolia, within the borders of present-day Burdur province's Gölhisar district, on a rugged plateau at an elevation of approximately 1100 meters. Its location at the intersection of the ancient regions of Lycia, Caria, Pisidia, and Phrygia bestowed strategic importance upon the city. Thanks to this position, it had the potential to control trade routes extending from inner Anatolia to the Mediterranean coast. The fertile plains and water sources in its vicinity contributed to the city's agricultural production, while its high altitude and natural defensive advantages ensured its security. In Cibyra's immediate vicinity were other members of the Tetrapolis, such as Bubon, Balbura, and Oenoanda, while the broader region also contained important ancient centers like Termessos, Sagalassos, and Laodikeia ad Lycum.

Significance in Antiquity

Cibyra was one of the most important centers of the region in antiquity, both politically and economically. As the capital of the Cibyratis Tetrapolis, established in the 2nd century BCE, its authority to govern three neighboring cities is an indicator of the city's political power and regional influence. The city maintained its existence independently for a long time, with its own legal system and jurisdiction. Economically, as noted by Strabo, Cibyra was famous for its ironwork and, thanks to its proximity to iron mines, had become an important production center in this field. The city's artisans were particularly skilled in leather and metal processing. Its strategic location reinforced the city's control over trade routes and, coupled with agricultural products from the surrounding fertile lands, increased its economic prosperity. Culturally, with its architecture and artworks bearing Hellenistic and Roman influences, it was one of the region's significant cultural centers.

Coinage

Detailed information regarding coinage in this city is not available in our project's current database. However, given the regional importance and economic power of ancient Cibyra, it is probable that the city minted its own coins. Indeed, various coins attributed to Cibyra exist in numismatic literature, dating to both autonomous periods and the Roman Imperial period. These coins typically feature local deities, imperial portraits, or symbols of the city, offering important insights into the region's cultural and economic structure. In this context, Cibyra's coinage activities constitute a valuable resource for understanding the economic history of ancient Anatolia.

Cibyra is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 48 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in bronze and silver. You can browse the city's coins in the Lycia coins list.

Archaeological Remains

Today, remarkably well-preserved and impressive archaeological remains can be seen at the ancient city of Cibyra. Among the first structures to greet visitors is the magnificent 22,000-seat stadium, one of the largest and best-preserved stadiums in the ancient world. In the city center, the theater, built in the 2nd century BCE and restored after the 23 CE earthquake, still stands today. Immediately near the theater is the Bouleuterion (council house) or Odeon building, famous for its Medusa mosaics. The basilica and monumental gates surrounding the agora reveal the city's former splendor. Furthermore, Roman baths, monumental fountains (nymphaeum), and the extensive necropolis area located outside the city are among the significant remains to be seen. These remains offer valuable insights into Cibyra's urban planning, architecture, and social life.

Today

The ancient city of Cibyra is located today within the borders of Söğüt village, part of the Gölhisar district of Burdur province. Situated approximately 10 kilometers from the Gölhisar district center, the ancient city is easily accessible by road. Thanks to excavation and restoration efforts in recent years, Cibyra is becoming an important tourist destination, welcoming many local and foreign visitors. The city, particularly notable for its stadium, theater, and Medusa mosaics, is a must-see for those interested in ancient history and archaeology.