Trikomia 3 is a hypothetical settlement in Anatolia, mentioned in the ancient Greek and Roman world, but whose exact location remains unidentified today. It was likely situated within the borders of modern Turkey, in a location between the ancient cities of Dorylaion (Eskişehir) and Pessinous (Ballıhisar). There is no evidence that the city minted its own coinage.

History

The history of Trikomia 3 is largely understood through the general ancient history of the region and the etymology of its name. The name "Trikomia" means "three villages" or "three settlements" in ancient Greek, suggesting that the settlement may have originated from the merger of three distinct small communities or as a center formed by three nearby villages. Although the exact foundation date of the city is unknown, it likely existed during the intensive urbanization processes of the Hellenistic Period in Anatolia and the administrative structuring of the Roman Empire.

Throughout history, this region hosted significant civilizations such as Phrygia and Galatia, subsequently falling under the dominion of Hellenistic kingdoms (especially the Seleucid and Pergamene Kingdoms) and finally the Roman Empire. Small settlements like Trikomia 3 generally maintained their existence within the administrative and economic structures of these major powers. Although there is no specific information about the city's form of governance, it is highly probable that it held the status of a typical Roman-era village (vicus) or kome, dependent on larger surrounding cities (Dorylaion, Pessinous). The absence of detailed information directly referencing Trikomia 3 in historical records suggests that it held importance on a local scale.

Geographic Location

The geographic location of Trikomia 3 is hypothesized to be within the borders of modern Turkey, in a region between the ancient city of Dorylaion (part of Eskişehir province) and the ancient city of Pessinous (part of Afyonkarahisar province). This location is situated at the western edge of the Central Anatolian plateau and historically lay at the crossroads of important trade and transportation routes. The generally fertile agricultural lands of the region suggest that Trikomia 3's economy may have been largely based on agriculture.

Its location between major cities like Dorylaion and Pessinous strengthens the possibility that Trikomia 3 may have served as a connecting point or a supply stop between these two centers. The region is also rich in water resources, and tributaries of the Porsuk River or underground water sources could have been critically important for the settlement's existence. However, the inability to physically locate the city today means that these geographical inferences are based on general regional characteristics. Its proximity to ancient roads and natural passes might indicate a strategic importance, however minor.

Significance in Antiquity

The significance of Trikomia 3 in antiquity likely remained at a local level. The absence of detailed information about it in sources indicates that the city was not a major economic, political, or religious center. However, its location between important cities like Dorylaion and Pessinous suggests that it may have played a role as a small link in the commercial and transportation network between these two centers.

Economically, Trikomia 3 can be assumed to have been a rural settlement sustained by products from the surrounding agricultural lands. These products may have been supplied to nearby larger cities, contributing to the regional economy. Politically, it likely held the status of a village or commune dependent on the surrounding Roman provincial administration, possibly possessing limited autonomy within itself. From a religious perspective, it is possible that it housed small temples or sacred areas dedicated to local deities, influenced by Phrygian and Hellenistic cults in the region. However, these inferences are based on the general characteristics of other similar small settlements in the region, and there is no specific evidence unique to Trikomia 3.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. The information that Trikomia 3 was not a "minting city" clearly indicates its limited economic and political autonomy. In antiquity, the authority to mint coinage typically belonged to large and important city-states or to provincial centers directly controlled by the Roman Empire. Smaller settlements generally conducted their economic activities using coins minted by larger cities in their regions. This suggests that Trikomia 3 used coins minted in centers like Dorylaion or Pessinous and did not possess its own mint or the authority to strike coinage. Coinage was an important indicator of a city's independence and economic power; Trikomia 3's lack of this authority indicates its lower position in the regional hierarchy.

Archaeological Remains

Currently, there are no definitively identified archaeological remains attributed to Trikomia 3. The hypothetical location of the city covers a broad area, and its site has not yet been identified through detailed archaeological surface surveys or excavations. This indicates that information regarding the city's existence typically comes from written sources or ancient maps (such as the Barrington Atlas).

The difficulties in finding such a "hypothetical" settlement stem from factors such as changing geography over time, erosion, modern settlements covering ancient remains, or the remains not being easily recognizable on the surface. If Trikomia 3 is ever found, findings such as pottery fragments, foundation remains, burial sites, or traces indicative of agricultural activities could be expected, typical of a small ancient Anatolian settlement. However, for now, the concrete physical evidence of Trikomia 3 remains hidden underground or in a location awaiting discovery.

Today

Trikomia 3 is not a settlement that can be physically visited or whose remains can be seen today. The city's exact location has not yet been determined, placing it in the category of "lost" ancient cities. However, its coordinates (39.800074, 30.845182) and its estimated region between Dorylaion (Eskişehir) and Pessinous (Ballıhisar) provide a reference point for future archaeological research. Assumed to be located within the vast rural areas of modern Eskişehir province, Trikomia 3 continues to hold discovery potential for history enthusiasts.