This ancient settlement, known by the names Andrapa, Neapolis, and Neoklaudiopolis, is strategically located at the intersection of the Pontus and Lesser Armenia regions, extending along the southern coast of the Black Sea. An important part of ancient Anatolia's rich historical landscape, the city underwent name changes under the influence of various dominant powers throughout different periods, bearing witness to the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the region. Throughout its history, it maintained its existence as a strategic center under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Pontus and the Roman Empire.

History

The history of Andrapa extends to the deep roots of ancient regions such as Pontus and Lesser Armenia. While precise information regarding the city's initial foundation is limited, given that the region hosted major Anatolian civilizations like the Hittites, Phrygians, and Persians, it can be assumed that the settlement's origins date back considerably. During the Hellenistic Period, the region gained importance with the rise of the Kingdom of Pontus. The city's adoption of the name "Neapolis" (New City) typically indicates a process of restructuring or expansion of an existing settlement, either during the Hellenistic Period or prior to Roman rule. Under the powerful rulers of the Kingdom of Pontus, particularly during the reign of Mithridates VI Eupator, Andrapa/Neapolis became part of the kingdom's strategic defense and trade network. Following Rome's expansion into the region and the Mithridatic Wars, the Kingdom of Pontus became a province of the Roman Empire, and the city subsequently came under Roman administration. During this period, its renaming to "Neoklaudiopolis," in reference to Emperor Claudius, signifies its strong ties with the Roman Empire and perhaps its reconstruction with imperial support. The city continued its existence through the Roman and early Byzantine periods, serving as one of the region's important administrative and economic centers.

Geographic Location

Andrapa/Neapolis/Neoklaudiopolis is situated on the fertile lands of Pontus and Lesser Armenia, near the southern shores of the Black Sea. Located at coordinates 41.153629 latitude and 35.462095 longitude, the city lies within the borders of present-day Amasya province in Turkey. This strategic location allowed the city to be positioned along natural transit routes between the Black Sea coast to the north and inner Anatolia, while also enabling it to thrive from the surrounding agricultural lands. The region is characterized by mountainous and rugged terrain, as well as river valleys and plateaus. It is believed that Andrapa utilized the advantages offered by this geographical structure to become a strong defensive point and simultaneously serve as a stop along regional trade routes. Its connections with important neighboring centers such as Amaseia (Amasya) and Neocaesareia (Niksar) reinforced the city's place within the regional network.

Significance in Antiquity

Andrapa/Neapolis/Neoklaudiopolis held considerable economic and political significance in antiquity. Its location on fertile agricultural lands made it a rich center for grain, fruits, and other agricultural products, contributing significantly to the regional economy. Furthermore, its position on trade routes between the Black Sea coast and the interior regions allowed the city to function as a transit and distribution hub. Politically, during the Kingdom of Pontus period, it was part of the kingdom's administrative and military structure, and after coming under Roman rule, it served as a unit of provincial administration. The bestowal of the name "Neoklaudiopolis" indicates the strength of its ties with the Roman Empire and the privileges or status it gained through imperial support. From a religious perspective, the presence of temples or sacred sites dedicated to the gods of the Hellenistic and Roman pantheon, alongside local Anatolian cults in the region, is probable. With the spread of Christianity, the city may also have functioned as a religious center during the early Byzantine period.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. In antiquity, the striking of coins was generally an important indicator of the economic and political sovereignty of independent city-states or autonomous regions. The absence of coinage issued in the name of Andrapa/Neapolis/Neoklaudiopolis suggests that the city likely operated within the economic system of larger regional powers (e.g., the Kingdom of Pontus or Roman provincial centers) and obtained its currency from these centers. However, important centers in the same geographical region, such as Amaseia, Sinope, and Neocaesareia, did issue their own coins, symbolizing their economic and political independence or autonomy.

Archaeological Remains

While detailed information regarding the current archaeological remains of Andrapa/Neapolis/Neoklaudiopolis is limited, considering the region's general archaeological potential, it is believed that significant finds await discovery. Surface surveys or limited excavations may have uncovered ceramic fragments, architectural remains, or building foundations belonging to the city's ancient settlement layers. Potential remains that could be revealed by future archaeological work include city wall remnants, necropolis areas (cemeteries), traces of public buildings, or infrastructure elements such as aqueducts, which are typical features of ancient cities. Such remains would provide valuable insights into the city's size, settlement pattern, and way of life in antiquity. It is probable that many ancient remains lie buried underground or beneath modern structures due to intensive agricultural activities or contemporary settlements in the region.

Today

The ancient remains of Andrapa/Neapolis/Neoklaudiopolis are located within the borders of modern Turkey, near the Taşova district of Amasya province. The exact coordinates of the city, 41.153629, 35.462095, generally point to a region surrounded by rural areas today. Access to the area is typically by road. As a large portion of the ancient city's remains has not yet undergone comprehensive archaeological excavations, visible structures for visitors may be limited. However, efforts are being made by local authorities and universities to preserve and research the archaeological heritage of the region.