Dorylaion is a strategic settlement located in the northern Phrygian region of ancient Anatolia, within the borders of modern Eskişehir province. Renowned for its thermal springs, the city has been a critical center for various civilizations throughout history due to its location on important trade routes and its geographical position. In antiquity, it held significance for thermal tourism and trade, as well as militarily.

History

The history of Dorylaion extends back to the early 1st millennium BCE with the rise of the Phrygian civilization. The city was founded on the banks of the Tembris (modern Porsuk) River, in a region rich in fertile lands and hot springs. Following the Phrygian period, it came under the dominion of Lydia, and then the Persian Empire. During the Hellenistic Period, after the conquests of Alexander the Great, it remained under the control of regional powers such as the Seleucid Empire and later the Kingdom of Bithynia. During the Roman Imperial period, it maintained its importance, particularly as a health and recreation center due to its thermal waters, serving as a stopping point on the roads connecting the interior of Anatolia to the West. In the Byzantine period, its strategic location led to frequent attacks, and it formed a defensive line, especially against Seljuk incursions. During the Crusades, significant battles took place near Dorylaion in 1097 and 1147. Over time, the city lost its prominence, giving way to modern Eskişehir during the Ottoman period.

Geographic Location

Dorylaion is situated in the valley of the Tembris (Porsuk) River, in the region known as Phrygia Epiktetos, in the northwest of the Anatolian plateau. This strategic location not only endowed the city with rich natural resources but also placed it at the intersection of ancient trade and military routes. The city served as a crucial transit point, especially on the main routes extending from Central Anatolia to the Marmara and Black Sea regions. Its surrounding fertile agricultural lands and abundant water sources ensured the sustainability of the settlement. Furthermore, its thermal springs, which remain active today, are an important geographical feature that enhanced the city's appeal since antiquity. Neighboring cities include Phrygian and Bithynian settlements such as Pessinus, Nakoleia, and Kotiaeum.

Significance in Antiquity

Dorylaion's significance in antiquity was based on multiple factors. Economically, in addition to being an agricultural center thanks to its fertile lands, it gained renown as a thermal health and recreation center due to its hot springs. These thermal waters attracted visitors to the city from both local areas and distant regions, creating a form of ancient tourism economy. Commercially, its location on important roadways connecting the interior of Anatolia to the western coasts and the Black Sea made it a center for trade and accommodation. Politically and militarily, during the Byzantine Empire, it played a critical role as a defensive line and military base, especially against incursions from the East. This strategic position caused the city to be the scene of many conflicts throughout its history.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. In antiquity, the authority to strike coins was typically exercised by major metropolises, regional capitals, or cities granted special privileges by the Empire. Despite Dorylaion's strategic and commercial importance, it likely used the coinage of larger administrative or economic centers nearby or operated under their dependency. This situation parallels the lack of minting authority for many medium-sized cities in Anatolia.

Archaeological Remains

Today, the remains of the ancient city of Dorylaion lie beneath or around the modern city of Eskişehir. This situation makes archaeological excavation and the preservation of remains challenging due to intense urbanization. However, limited research and incidental finds confirm the existence and location of the ancient city. Particularly, remains of ancient bath structures associated with the city's thermal springs can be observed in some areas. Finds such as pottery fragments, architectural elements, and gravestones from the Roman and Byzantine periods also indicate the city's long history of settlement. Today, some artifacts from Dorylaion and its vicinity are exhibited in the Eskişehir Archaeology Museum.

Today

The ancient settlement area of Dorylaion largely lies beneath the Odunpazarı and Tepebaşı districts of modern Eskişehir city. The ancient city's thermal springs continue to be used as spas in regions of Eskişehir such as Çifteler and Hamamkarahisar today. Although direct access to the city's remains is difficult, visitors can learn about the region's ancient history and view artifacts from excavations by visiting the Eskişehir Archaeology Museum. Eskişehir is easily connected to major cities in Turkey by road and rail.