Ankyra is a strategic settlement located in the interior of ancient Anatolia, historically within the regions of Phrygia and later Galatia. It experienced significant development both as an important center for the Galatian tribes during the Hellenistic Period and as the capital of the Roman province of Galatia during the Roman Empire. The city holds a key position for Anatolian archaeology and numismatics due to its rich cultural heritage, political significance, and coinage.

History

The foundation of Ankyra has deep roots, extending back to Hittite settlements in the region. However, the city became an important center particularly under the rule of the Phrygians, who established a powerful kingdom from the 8th century BCE onwards. After the collapse of the Phrygian Kingdom, Ankyra came under the control of Lydia and then the Achaemenid Persian Empire, entering the Hellenistic Period with the conquests of Alexander the Great. During the Hellenistic Period, in the 3rd century BCE, it was captured by the Celtic-origin Galatian tribes (especially the Tectosages) who migrated to Anatolia, becoming their capital. During this period, the city emerged as the political and cultural center of Galatia. With Galatia becoming a Roman province in 25 BCE during the reign of Emperor Augustus, Ankyra became the provincial capital and one of Rome's strategic centers in the East. This period witnessed extensive construction activity, with monumental structures such as the Temple of Augustus being built. Under Roman rule, it adopted the name "Colonia Ancyra" and reached the peak of political and economic prosperity. It continued its existence as an important metropolitan center during the Byzantine period, playing a strategic role in defense against Sasanian and Arab incursions.

Geographic Location

Ankyra is located in the central parts of the Anatolian plateau, beneath the modern city of Ankara. Situated at an altitude of approximately 900 meters above sea level, the city occupies a strategically important point. The water resources provided by the Engürü Stream and the fertile lands surrounding it formed the basis for the settlement's sustainability. In antiquity, the city was located at the intersection of important trade and military routes connecting East and West, and North and South. This situation enhanced Ankyra's commercial and political significance. Among neighboring ancient cities were important centers such as Gordion and Pessinus to the west, and Germia and Dorylaeum to the north. Its proximity to these cities ensured Ankyra's central position within a network of cultural and economic interaction. Its elevated and defensible location is one of the main reasons it remained an attractive center for various powers throughout history.

Significance in Antiquity

Ankyra held multifaceted significance in antiquity. Politically, it was one of the most powerful cities in the interior of Anatolia, first as the capital of the Galatian tribes, and then as the administrative center of the Roman province of Galatia. Roman governors resided here, and the administration of the province was conducted from this city. Economically, its strategic location on ancient trade routes made it an important market and distribution hub. Agricultural products, livestock, and handicrafts found buyers in this city. Religiously, Ankyra was a center for the Phrygian-origin cult of the Mother Goddess Cybele, as well as the imperial cult during the Roman period (especially the Temple of Augustus). With the spread of Christianity, it became an important metropolitan center during the Byzantine period and carved out a place for itself in Christian history. The city was a stage for the cultural interaction of different civilizations, developing a unique identity where Phrygian, Galatian, and Roman cultures blended.

Coinage

Ankyra was one of the important cities in antiquity with the authority to mint coins. While coinage in the city is generally associated with the Roman Imperial period, it is probable that limited issues were also struck during the Hellenistic Period after the Galatian settlement. The most intensive coinage occurred during the period when Ankyra was the capital of the Roman province of Galatia. These coins typically bore portraits of emperors and glorified the imperial cult. Busts of emperors such as Augustus, Tiberius, Claudius, and Nero are frequently seen on the obverses of the coins. On the reverses, local deities (Cybele, Zeus), city goddesses, Roman deities (Roma), architectural structures (especially the Temple of Augustus), local symbols, or various allegorical figures were typically depicted. Greek inscriptions on the coins usually include "KOINON GALATION" (League of the Galatians) or "ANKYRA," indicating the city's name. During the Roman period, the inscription "COLonia ANCYRA" was also used with Latin legends. Ankyra's coins provide valuable numismatic evidence for understanding the city's economic power, its relations with Rome, its local cults, and its role in imperial propaganda. Coins depicting the Temple of Augustus or containing allusions to the Res Gestae Divi Augusti inscription particularly emphasize the city's special importance to the Roman Empire.

Archaeological Remains

As Ankyra lies beneath the modern city of Ankara, its ancient remains are largely hidden beneath modern urban development. However, significant structures that reflect the city's ancient grandeur are still visible in the city center. Foremost among these is the Temple of Augustus, dedicated to Emperor Augustus and Roma. On the walls of the temple are Greek and Latin copies of the famous Res Gestae Divi Augusti inscription, which recounts Emperor Augustus's life and achievements. This inscription is an invaluable primary source for ancient Roman history. Furthermore, the remains of the Roman Bath, believed to date to the Caracalla period, are also visible. Traces of ancient roads and the remains of the Roman Theater are also present in the city center. It is known that spolia from ancient Ankyra were used in the construction of Ankara Castle. Although access to most remains is difficult due to modern urbanization, these monumental structures provide strong evidence of Ankyra's importance in antiquity.

Today

Ancient Ankyra is located beneath the modern city of Ankara, which is today the capital of the Republic of Turkey. This situation has resulted in a large portion of the ancient city's remains being covered by modern development. However, some important ancient structures, primarily the Temple of Augustus and the Roman Bath located in the Ulus district, are accessible for visitors in the city center. Ankara is easily accessible by both air (Esenboğa Airport) and land (bus, train) as it is located at the center of Turkey's transportation network. The city's museums, especially the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, house numerous archaeological artifacts from Ankyra and its surroundings, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the city's rich history.