Thouththourbia, located in the ancient region of Cilicia, is an ancient Anatolian settlement whose name has not fully survived to the present day or has been reconstructed. Distinguished by its location on strategic Mediterranean trade routes, this city was an important part of Cilicia's rich historical and cultural fabric. Throughout history, it remained under the influence of various great civilizations, possessing a profile that reflects the dynamic structure of the region.

History

Specific written records regarding the foundation and early periods of Thouththourbia are quite limited; this situation stems from the persistent uncertainty surrounding its name. However, it must be evaluated within the general historical trajectory of Cilicia. From the mid-2nd millennium BCE, the region fell under the influence of the Hittite Empire, subsequently coming under the dominion of the Assyrian Empire in the 1st millennium BCE, and later the Persian Empire. Cilicia, introduced to Hellenistic culture through the conquests of Alexander the Great, passed into the control of the Seleucid Empire after Alexander's death. Settlements like Thouththourbia were integrated into the administrative and economic systems of these great empires, directly affected by the shifts in power balances within the region. Particularly with the annexation of Cilicia by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BCE, the region played a pivotal role in Mediterranean trade and military strategy. During the Roman period, intense interaction occurred between Cilicia's interior and its coastal strip, and it is probable that Thouththourbia also attained a certain level of prosperity during this era. The city, which continued its existence during the Byzantine Empire, was subjected to Arab raids, as was common throughout Cilicia, and gradually lost its significance.

Geographic Location

Thouththourbia was located at 36.93999 latitude and 32.579724 longitude, within the borders of modern Turkey, in the ancient region of Cilicia (Barrington Atlas 66 B3). Cilicia, situated on the southern coast of Anatolia, bordering Syria to the east and Pamphylia to the west, is a geographically diverse region. Characterized by the Taurus Mountains running parallel to the Mediterranean, this area encompasses both fertile plains like Çukurova (Cilicia Pedias) and rugged mountainous terrains (Cilicia Tracheia). The location of Thouththourbia was likely at the intersection of these two geographical features, near important routes connecting the interior to the coast or major passes. The region, particularly through strategic passes like the Cilician Gates (Gülek Pass), provided the most important land route connection between Anatolia and the Near East. This geographical advantage laid the groundwork for the city to gain potential significance, both militarily and commercially. While the surrounding fertile lands were suitable for agriculture, its proximity to the sea also offered opportunities for participation in Mediterranean trade.

Significance in Antiquity

The significance of Thouththourbia in antiquity likely stemmed from the general strategic position of the Cilician region in which it was located. Although not a major metropolis itself, the city may have functioned as a stop on regional trade routes or as a local administrative center. Cilicia was an important part of the Mediterranean trade network through which goods such as spices, luxury items, and grain were transported. Thouththourbia may have played an intermediary role in the distribution of this trade to the interior or its conveyance to the coast. Furthermore, it may have served as a center for the collection and distribution of agricultural produce (grain, olive oil, wine) from the fertile Cilician plains. Politically, Cilicia's constant shifts in sovereignty meant that settlements like Thouththourbia were sometimes located in border or buffer zones, which may have endowed the city with a certain military or strategic value. During the Roman period, Cilicia's struggle against piracy and military activity in the region increased the importance of such settlements for security and logistics. From a religious perspective, as with every ancient settlement, it is highly probable that cult centers or temples dedicated to local deities existed in Thouththourbia.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. This situation is common for many small to medium-sized settlements in the ancient world. Coinage was typically the prerogative of large and autonomous city-states or empires. Settlements like Thouththourbia used coins minted by the regional metropolises of the period, such as Tarsus, Seleukeia ad Calycadnum (Silifke), or Aigeai (Yumurtalık), for their daily economic activities and trade. The coinage of these major centers circulated as valid currency throughout Cilicia and even in a broader geographical area. Consequently, the inhabitants of Thouththourbia conducted their trade and economic transactions through these regional coins.

Archaeological Remains

Currently, no distinct or extensive archaeological remains belonging to Thouththourbia have been identified. The very uncertainty of its name indicates that the city's exact location or the nature of its remains cannot be definitively determined. However, this does not mean that new findings will not emerge from future surface surveys or systematic excavations in the region. In ancient settlements, foundational wall remains, pottery fragments, tombs, aqueducts, or cisterns, among other infrastructural elements, can often be found. In the presumed area of Thouththourbia, there is a possibility of remains that have been buried over time or destroyed due to modern construction. Future detailed geophysical surveys and archaeological investigations may help unveil the mysteries of this ancient settlement and provide more information about it.

Today

The ancient settlement area of Thouththourbia, within the borders of modern Turkey, corresponds to a location near the districts of Silifke or Erdemli in Mersin province, according to the coordinates 36.93999, 32.579724. This region is currently a rural area predominantly engaged in agricultural activities. It is common for ancient remains to be hidden beneath modern settlements and agricultural lands. Access to the region is provided by road from Mersin city center, and its proximity to tourist and historical settlements along the Mediterranean coast makes it generally easily accessible. However, since the exact location and remains of Thouththourbia have not yet been clearly determined, there is no specific point of interest for visitors.