Kaisareia/Hadrianopolis/Proseilemmene, situated on the Black Sea coast of ancient Anatolia at the intersection of the Bithynia, Pontus, and Paphlagonia regions, was a significant port and trade city distinguished by its strategic location. Known by various names throughout history, this settlement played a central role in the economic and cultural life of the region, particularly through its development during the Roman Imperial period. Its issuance of coinage under its own name is a significant indicator reflecting the city's autonomy and economic power.

History

The history of Kaisareia/Hadrianopolis/Proseilemmene, like many other cities on the southern shores of the Black Sea, can be associated with the Greek colonization movements that developed from the late 1st millennium BCE onwards. The city's first known name, Proseilemmene, likely reflects its early local or Hellenistic identity. With the Roman Empire's dominance over the region, the city underwent a significant transformation. Its adoption of the name "Hadrianopolis" during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 CE) indicates the city's importance to the imperial court and imperial support. Similarly, the name "Kaisareia" is an honorific title bestowed in reference to the Roman Emperors (Caesar), emphasizing the city's allegiance to the imperial cult and its status. These name changes are indicators of the city's process of political and cultural integration under Roman rule. The city was incorporated into the Roman provincial system as part of the province of Bithynia et Pontus, becoming one of the important centers on the empire's eastern frontiers. During this period, its location on trade routes increased its prosperity, making it a regional center of attraction.

Geographic Location

Kaisareia/Hadrianopolis/Proseilemmene is located in northern ancient Anatolia, on the Black Sea coast, within the borders of present-day Düzce province. Its geographical position at the intersection of significant historical regions such as Bithynia, Pontus, and Paphlagonia provided the city with a strategic advantage. This location enabled the city to have direct access to Black Sea trade by sea and also served as a transit point on land trade routes extending into inland Anatolia. The city's harbor functioned as a safe haven for ships, especially under the challenging conditions of the Black Sea, making it indispensable for maritime activities and trade. The surrounding fertile agricultural lands and forested areas contributed to the city's economic sustainability, meeting both local needs and supplying products for trade.

Significance in Antiquity

Kaisareia/Hadrianopolis/Proseilemmene held great importance in antiquity, both economically and politically. As one of the key points in the Black Sea trade network, it played an active role in the buying and selling of grain, timber, fish, and various craft products. Its access to the rich natural resources of the Bithynia, Pontus, and Paphlagonia regions, and its capacity to transport these products by sea to Rome and other Black Sea ports, formed the basis of the city's economic prosperity. Maritime activities and shipbuilding were also of vital importance for the region, and this city received its share from these activities. Politically, the honorific names "Hadrianopolis" and "Kaisareia" adopted during the Roman Imperial period demonstrate the city's strategic value to the imperial administration and its loyalty. These names also suggest that the city possessed a certain degree of autonomy in its local administration and was an important part of Rome's administrative structure in the region. From a religious perspective, although specific information about temples or cults is limited, it is known that ancient port cities typically featured places of worship dedicated to sea deities, local gods, and the imperial cult. This indicates that religion played a central role in the city's social and cultural life.

Coinage

Kaisareia/Hadrianopolis/Proseilemmene was an important city in antiquity that possessed the authority to strike its own coins. This is a clear indication of both the city's economic independence and its possession of a certain autonomy within the Roman Empire. Generally, bronze coins were struck during the Roman Imperial period, from the 1st to the 3rd century CE. These coins depict busts of the emperors of the period (especially Hadrian), empresses, along with local deities, mythological figures, city founders, or important monuments of the city. These local symbols, frequently seen on the reverses of the coins, reflect the city's unique identity and cultural heritage, while the imperial portraits on the obverses reinforced its allegiance to the Roman Empire. These coins were used in daily commercial transactions, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy, and also served as a propaganda tool, conveying the city's political messages and prestige to a wider audience. Coinage provides valuable numismatic evidence revealing the city's regional interactions and economic power.

Archaeological Remains

Detailed information regarding the visible archaeological remains of Kaisareia/Hadrianopolis/Proseilemmene today is limited. However, considering its status as an ancient port and trade city, it can be assumed that significant structures existed in the past. In parallel with the typical characteristics of ancient cities, it is probable that remains of public buildings such as city walls, an agora (market and assembly area), a theater, temples, and baths could be found. In the necropolis areas surrounding the city, tomb structures of the period might be encountered. Its location on the Black Sea coast and exposure to natural factors over time may have led to the destruction of some structures or their burial under modern settlements. Systematic archaeological excavations and surface surveys in the region hold the potential to provide more information about the city's architectural structure and daily life.

Today

The ancient city of Kaisareia/Hadrianopolis/Proseilemmene is located today within the borders of the Republic of Turkey, near the Kaynaşlı district, close to Düzce province. The ancient settlement has largely been covered by modern residential areas or merged with the surrounding agricultural lands. Access to the region is easily provided by road via Düzce. To obtain more information about the exact location and remains of the ancient city, it may be beneficial to contact local museums and relevant archaeological departments.