Pege is an important ancient settlement located within the historical region of Thrace, within the borders of modern Turkey. Situated in a strategic position that served as a bridge between Europe and Anatolia, Pege is notable for its rich historical and cultural heritage. It witnessed a past known for its warrior tribes and mining activities, enduring under the dominion of various empires.

History

While definitive information regarding Pege's foundation is limited, it is believed to have developed within the general settlement pattern of ancient Thrace. The region hosted various Thracian tribes from the 2nd millennium BCE onwards. With the expansion of the Persian Empire into Thrace in the 6th century BCE, settlements like Pege also came under Persian influence. Subsequently, through the conquests of Alexander the Great, it became part of the Macedonian Empire, and after his death, it transformed into a contested area among the Hellenistic kingdoms. From the 2nd century BCE, with the Roman Empire's annexation of Thrace, Pege also fell under Roman rule and continued its existence within the Roman provincial system. Following the division of the Roman Empire, Pege remained within the borders of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, holding a strategic position particularly due to its proximity to Constantinople (Istanbul). During these periods, Pege may have functioned as both a military transit route and a local administrative center. The city's multi-layered history reflects the constantly changing political and cultural dynamics of the region.

Geographic Location

Pege is situated on the southern coasts of ancient Thrace, close to the Sea of Marmara. Its geographical position on a natural transit point between Europe and Anatolia enhanced the city's strategic importance. Thanks to this location, Pege functioned as a waypoint at one of the intersections of both land and sea trade routes. The fertile lands and abundant water resources in the region were critically important for the sustainability of the settlement. Other significant Thracian cities such as Byzantion (Istanbul), Selymbria (Silivri), and Perinthus (Marmara Ereğlisi) were located around Pege, indicating that the city was part of a regional network of interaction and commercial relations. This central location of the city attracted the interest of various civilizations throughout antiquity and led it to play a significant role in the power struggles of the region.

Significance in Antiquity

Pege's significance in antiquity largely stemmed from its geographical location. Its position at one of the intersections of land and sea trade routes between Europe and Asia made the city valuable both economically and strategically. Mining activities prevalent throughout the region (especially for gold and silver) may have allowed Pege to indirectly benefit from this trade network. The city may have been used as a garrison or administrative center during periods when it was under the dominion of various empires (Persian, Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine). Agricultural production and local trade are also thought to have held an important place in the city's economy. Particularly during the Byzantine period, its proximity to Constantinople made the city a critical point for the empire in terms of logistics and defense. From a religious perspective, indigenous Thracian mother goddess cults or local interpretations of the Greek pantheon may also have been present in Pege; indeed, the city's name, "pêgê," meaning "spring, source," could indicate the existence of a cult associated with sacred water sources.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. In antiquity, the authority to mint coins typically belonged to major metropolises, provincial centers, or independent city-states. Given Pege's location and known historical context, it is highly probable that it utilized the coinage of larger neighboring cities (e.g., Byzantion or Perinthus) rather than issuing its own. This suggests that Pege's role in the regional economy was that of a local center based on trade and agriculture, rather than possessing a status independent or central enough to mint its own currency. The coins in circulation in the region were generally imperial issues from the Roman and Byzantine Empires.

Archaeological Remains

The discernible archaeological remains of Pege that survive to the present day are quite limited. The city's long history of settlement and modern urbanization activities have largely led to the destruction of ancient structures or their burial under deep layers. However, it is possible to encounter small-scale remains such as pottery fragments, building foundations, or tomb finds during surface surveys or rescue excavations in the region. Particularly due to its proximity to water sources, traces of infrastructure elements like ancient fountain structures or aqueducts might be noteworthy. Pege's location within the densely populated area of modern Istanbul makes extensive excavation work challenging. Future systematic archaeological studies could provide more information about Pege's settlement pattern, architecture, and daily life.

Today

The area where ancient Pege was located is now within the borders of Istanbul's modern Zeytinburnu district. The Balıklı Ayazması (Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi) and its surroundings, in particular, are considered an important site thought to be associated with Pege's sacred water sources. As modern development heavily overlies the ancient city, remains from antiquity are generally not visible. However, this area is easily accessible by public transport from all parts of Istanbul. Visitors can explore the Balıklı Ayazması and its historical surroundings to experience the spirit of the ancient city and see a significant religious center from the Byzantine period.