Metropolis, located in Inner Western Anatolia within the borders of modern-day Afyonkarahisar province, is one of the lesser-known settlements of the ancient Phrygian region. Throughout history, it remained under the influence of various Anatolian civilizations, yet it stands out as an ancient city for which detailed information is specifically scarce. It may have persisted as a regionally significant agricultural and local trade center.

History

Detailed information regarding the precise foundation date and early periods of Metropolis is limited. However, when evaluated within the general historical context of Inner Western Anatolia, it is known that the region witnessed intensive settlements from the 3rd millennium BCE onwards. During the Hittite Empire period (2nd millennium BCE), this region was situated near the empire's western borders and experienced cultural interactions with various kingdoms. It is probable that it was located in the hinterland of the powerful Phrygian Kingdom, which developed from the 8th century BCE onwards during the Iron Age. Following Phrygia, it came under the dominion of the Lydians and subsequently the Persian Empire in the 6th century BCE.

Metropolis entered the Hellenistic Period with Alexander the Great's conquest of Anatolia, and during the Wars of the Diadochi following Alexander's death, it may have fallen under the control of the Seleucid Empire or the Kingdom of Pergamon. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, with the expansion of the Roman Empire in Anatolia, it was incorporated into the Roman provincial system and experienced a relatively peaceful period during the Pax Romana. After the division of the Roman Empire, the city remained within the borders of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, continuing its existence during this period but gradually losing its importance and becoming abandoned or transforming into a small settlement. The historical trajectory of the city progressed in parallel with the general political and cultural changes of the region.

Geographic Location

Metropolis is located near the Şuhut district of modern-day Afyonkarahisar province in Turkey, at coordinates 38.241194 latitude and 30.490599 longitude. Situated on the high plateaus of Inner Western Anatolia, the city lies in the interior parts of the geographical region known as Phrygia in antiquity. This location may have ensured the city's proximity to fertile agricultural plains, forming the basis of its local economy. Surrounding rivers and natural resources played a critical role in the sustainability of the settlement.

Strategically, Metropolis may have remained somewhat distant from major trade routes, which led to its development primarily as a regional center. However, it is thought to have been indirectly connected to major neighboring centers such as Synnada, Apamea, and Laodikeia. This geographical location both provided the city with some protection against external attacks and allowed it to develop through its own internal dynamics. The climate and topography of the region directly influenced the lifestyles and economic activities of the ancient city's inhabitants.

Significance in Antiquity

Although direct and detailed information about the significance of Metropolis in antiquity is limited, it is possible to draw inferences from general Anatolian urbanization patterns. The city's economic life was likely based on the fertile agricultural lands surrounding it. The cultivation of crops such as grain, grapes, and olives constituted the city's primary livelihood and contributed to the revitalization of local trade. Furthermore, livestock farming activities in the region may also have held a significant place in the economy.

Politically, Metropolis is thought to have maintained its existence as an administrative unit or a "polis" within the larger empires (Phrygian, Lydian, Persian, Hellenistic kingdoms, Roman, and Byzantine). In this context, it would have been subject to laws and taxes determined by the central administration, and possibly governed by a regional governor or a local council. The city's religious life was shaped by the traditional beliefs of Anatolia. Given its location in a region where the cult of the Mother Goddess Cybele or the worship of Hellenistic deities like Zeus and Apollo was widespread, the presence of such cults in Metropolis is probable. It is also thought that the city may have served as a center for regional festivals or religious ceremonies. However, this significance largely remained at a local or regional level, without a pan-Anatolian impact.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. No archaeological or numismatic findings indicating that ancient Metropolis minted coins in its own name have yet been encountered. This situation suggests that the city's economic and political autonomy in antiquity was limited, or that it did not possess the authority to mint coins as a regional center. In regional trade, coins minted by neighboring major cities or empires were likely used.

Archaeological Remains

There is no detailed literature regarding the current archaeological remains of Metropolis. However, as observed in ancient settlements of similar size in Inner Western Anatolia, some architectural traces may have been found at Metropolis through surface surveys or limited excavations. Typically, in such cities, foundations of city walls, structural remains belonging to agora (market place) or forum areas, temple or church foundations, traces of civic buildings, and necropolis (cemetery) areas can be observed.

Remains, damaged over time by natural erosion and human impact, are generally preserved underground or as scattered stone heaps on the surface. Depending on the city's size and importance, traces of public structures such as a theater, odeon, or bathhouse are also likely to be found. However, since there is no comprehensive archaeological study or published inventory for this specific Metropolis, it is difficult to provide definitive information about the condition and nature of the remains. Generally, such areas are located as a tell or archaeological site, beneath or near the surrounding modern settlement.

Today

The ancient city of Metropolis is currently located in a rural area near the Şuhut district of Afyonkarahisar province. The city remains can typically be seen as a tell or scattered stone heaps within agricultural lands or pastures used by shepherds. Its location outside modern settlement may have helped preserve some of the remains, but it has also prevented it from receiving intensive archaeological interest. There is no special tourism infrastructure or organized archaeological site for those wishing to visit. Access to the region is generally by road, from Afyonkarahisar city center to Şuhut, and then via local roads. Local guidance or assistance from the local populace may be required for a visit.