Yurtbaşı/Melik Şerif, located in the Refahiye district of Erzincan, is a strategic settlement situated at the intersection of important ancient roadways. Particularly during the Roman Empire period, it likely functioned as a military outpost or a fortified town, evidenced by a milestone and the presence of a unit named cohors I Lepidiana. There are differing views among scholars regarding its ancient name.

History

While definitive information about the ancient past of Yurtbaşı/Melik Şerif is limited, archaeological findings and road remains in the region indicate that the settlement held strategic importance, particularly during the Roman Empire period. During this period, it served as a junction point for significant transportation networks in the eastern part of Anatolia. A discovered Roman milestone proves its integration into the imperial road system and suggests it was likely one of the maintenance and control points for these roads. Evidence of the presence of a Roman unit named cohors I Lepidiana in the region suggests that Yurtbaşı/Melik Şerif was used as a military garrison town or a fortified outpost. This situation reveals that the settlement played a critical role in ensuring the security of Rome's eastern borders and inter-provincial communication. Although no definitive name attributable to this site is found in ancient sources, discussions among scholars regarding different ancient appellations continue. While it may have existed as a settlement from early periods, its development into a distinct urban structure and acquisition of strategic importance likely gained momentum with the arrival of the Roman Empire in the region.

Geographic Location

Yurtbaşı/Melik Şerif is currently located within the borders of the Refahiye district of Erzincan province, geographically situated in the western part of the Eastern Anatolia Region. This location was one of the most fundamental factors determining the strategic importance of the settlement in antiquity. Its position at the confluence of ancient roads and routes made it an indispensable transit hub for both military movements and commercial caravans. Its location at the intersection of routes extending from the Black Sea coasts in the north to Mesopotamia in the south, or from central Anatolia in the west to Armenia and the Caucasus in the east, brought continuous vitality to the region. Its placement in a relatively accessible valley or plateau within the surrounding mountainous and rugged terrain further enhanced its value as a control point. This strategic location ensured that the settlement functioned not merely as a transit point but also as an intermediate station connecting with larger urban centers in its vicinity (such as Satala or Nicopolis).

Significance in Antiquity

The significance of Yurtbaşı/Melik Şerif in antiquity can primarily be explained by its military and strategic location. Its position at the junction of military roads extending along the eastern borders of the Roman Empire made it an indispensable control and transit center. A discovered Roman milestone concretely demonstrates the presence of imperial authority and the road network here. The garrisoning of a Roman unit like cohors I Lepidiana here suggests that Yurtbaşı/Melik Şerif was likely used as a fort or a fortified outpost, playing a key role in Rome's policy of protecting its eastern borders and maintaining communication with inland regions. This military presence also served as a symbol of Roman authority in the region, ensuring road safety and the uninterrupted continuation of commercial activities. Economically, its location at the intersection of roads made the settlement a lodging, supply, and security point for passing caravans, rather than a trade center itself. Politically, it functioned as a point representing the presence of imperial power and administration in the region. From a religious perspective, there is no definitive evidence, based on current information, to suggest it held special importance.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. Given that the settlement was more of a military outpost or a station along a road, it is believed not to have attained the status of a city with the authority to mint coins.

Archaeological Remains

In and around Yurtbaşı/Melik Şerif, ancient road remains and route traces are still visible today. These remains confirm the region's critical position within the ancient transportation network. One of the most important archaeological finds is a milestone dating to the Roman Empire period. This milestone provides valuable information about the construction and maintenance of Roman roads and documents the imperial presence in the region. Although theories suggesting the city was a "walled town or fort" have not yet been fully defined in the field, they strengthen the possibility that traces or remains of defensive structures may be found around the settlement. The fact that the modern settlement is built upon ancient remains complicates extensive archaeological research and causes many potential finds to remain buried. However, surface surveys and observations by local residents may indicate the presence of scattered finds such as ceramic fragments or building stones from antiquity.

Today

Yurtbaşı/Melik Şerif continues its existence today as a village in the Refahiye district of Erzincan province. Access via the modern highway network is quite easy. The village partially retains its strategic location from antiquity within the context of modern transportation networks. Agricultural activities continue around the village, and remnants from antiquity, particularly road remains and elements like the milestone, reveal the rich history of the region.