Trokna is an ancient settlement believed to be located in the interior of Western Anatolia, at the intersection of the ancient regions of Phrygia and Galatia. The asterisk preceding its name indicates uncertainty regarding its precise ancient form or that it is a reconstructed name. This ancient settlement is situated in a geographical area where post-Hellenistic Celtic settlements also interacted, forming an important part of Anatolia's unique cultural and religious heritage.

History

Detailed information regarding Trokna's precise foundation date and early periods is limited. However, given its geographical location, its history may have begun under the influence of the Phrygians, who established a powerful kingdom in the western and central regions of Anatolia from the 12th century BCE. With the Cimmerian invasions of Phrygia in the 7th century BCE, followed by its subjugation to the Lydian and Persian Empires in the 6th century BCE, Trokna also experienced these major political transformations. Following Alexander the Great's conquests and the dawn of the Hellenistic Period, the settlement remained within the sphere of influence of powerful states such as the Seleucids and the Kingdom of Pergamon.

With the arrival of the Galatians in Anatolia in the 3rd century BCE, the region where Trokna is located became part of Galatia. During this period, the settlement may have been shaped by the local lifestyle and administrative practices of the Galatian tribes. With the expansion of Roman power into Anatolia and Galatia becoming a Roman province in the 1st century BCE, Trokna also came under Roman administration and continued its existence within the stability and order brought by the Pax Romana. However, specific archaeological or textual evidence regarding the settlement's administrative or economic status during these periods is not yet sufficient. The uncertainty of its name is a factor that complicates understanding the settlement's historical significance.

Geographic Location

Trokna is situated within the borders of modern Turkey, at coordinates 39.517396 latitude and 31.179942 longitude, in the interior regions of Anatolia. This location places it between the eastern borders of ancient Phrygia and the western borders of Galatia, at a point of regional rather than strategic importance. The settlement was likely established in proximity to fertile agricultural lands or around local water sources. The surrounding geography exhibits typical Central Anatolian plateau characteristics, meaning it is characterized by wide plains, undulating hills, and occasional river valleys.

The region may have been situated off major ancient trade routes, but it is probable that it lay on secondary routes connecting it with neighboring settlements at a local level. Its relationship with larger Phrygian and Galatian settlements in its vicinity was crucial for its economic and cultural interactions. This geographical position paved the way for the settlement to periodically fall under the influence of various cultural and political powers.

Significance in Antiquity

Trokna's significance in antiquity most likely remained at a regional and local level. Rather than being a major metropolis or political center, it may have held the status of a small settlement or village, processing and trading the produce of its surrounding agricultural lands. Considering Phrygia's agricultural wealth and Galatia's pastoral potential, Trokna may have also partaken in these economic activities. The settlement's economy was likely based on the production of cereals, grapes, or other agricultural products, and their trade through bartering.

From a religious perspective, it is known that the cult of Cybele, the principal goddess of Phrygia, was widespread in the region. It is probable that traces of this cult or the worship of local Anatolian deities existed in Trokna, though there is no specific evidence on this matter. With the arrival of the Galatians, Celtic religious practices may also have spread to the region. Its political significance, most likely, did not extend beyond being a local administrative unit or tribal center. The settlement persisted as a dependency of larger regional powers, paying taxes or providing soldiers. In general, Trokna's role in antiquity, like many small settlements in the interior of Anatolia, was limited to contributing to the regional economy and culture.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. Typically, the privilege of minting coins belonged to cities with economic and administrative autonomy, such as large city-states, regional capitals, or important trade centers. It is believed that Trokna did not possess such autonomy or economic power, but rather was a settlement dependent on larger centers in its vicinity. Therefore, coin circulation in the region was likely facilitated by coinage struck in Phrygia, Galatia, or Roman provincial centers. The local economy would have utilized a barter system or the coins of larger centers.

Archaeological Remains

Currently, there is no definitive archaeological identification or report of distinct, large-scale remains indicating the exact location of Trokna. The uncertainty of its name and references such as "BAtlas 62 F2" typically represent settlements whose existence in a region is indicated but which have not yet been revealed by detailed excavations or are limited to surface surveys. In such areas, surface finds might include pottery sherds, traces of foundations, stone wall remnants, or indications of necropolis (burial) areas. However, regarding Trokna specifically, there is no particular information concerning the existence of such remains. Future detailed surface surveys or systematic excavations could play a significant role in elucidating the settlement's location and its structure in antiquity.

Today

The ancient settlement of Trokna is located within the borders of modern Turkey, most likely in the rural areas of Afyonkarahisar or Eskişehir provinces, at coordinates 39.517396, 31.179942. Today, this area may typically be a region where agricultural activities are carried out or where a small village settlement is located. Any remains of the ancient settlement, if they exist, may be buried under modern habitation or agricultural activities. Access to the region is generally by road, reachable via village roads connected to the nearest major cities. However, there is no distinct structure or museum area that can be visited as a specific ancient site.