Eupatoria/Magnopolis is a strategic ancient city founded during the Hellenistic Period by King Mithridates VI Eupator of Pontus in the fertile Phanaroea Valley, where the Lykos (Kelkit Çayı) and Iris (Yeşilırmak) rivers converge. It was later rebuilt in the 1st century BCE by the Roman general Gnaeus Pompeius under the name Magnopolis, becoming one of the significant centers of Roman dominance in the region. This city drew attention for its political and geographical location during both the Mithridatic Kingdom and the Roman Empire periods.

History

The history of Eupatoria/Magnopolis coincides with one of the most brilliant periods of the Kingdom of Pontus. The city was founded in the early 1st century BCE by King Mithridates VI Eupator of Pontus, bearing his own name, "Eupatoria." This foundation was part of Mithridates' policy to consolidate his power in the Black Sea Region and maintain control over strategic areas. Due to its location in the fertile Phanaroea Valley, where the Lykos and Iris rivers converge, the city stood out for its agricultural wealth and ease of transportation.

Following the Mithridatic Wars, with the definitive establishment of the Roman Empire's dominance in the region, the city's fate changed. In the 60s BCE, the Roman general Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great) refounded Eupatoria as "Magnopolis" (Great City) during the reconstruction process in the region. This refoundation was an indication of Pompey's arrangements in the region and its integration into the Roman provincial system. Magnopolis continued its existence as an administrative and commercial center as Pontus became a Roman province. Although specific details about the city's fate in later periods are limited, it is believed to have followed a developmental trajectory consistent with the general Roman and Byzantine history of the region.

Geographic Location

Eupatoria/Magnopolis was located in the ancient geography of Pontus, in the northeastern part of Asia Minor, within the borders of present-day Tokat province in Turkey. The city's most prominent geographical feature was its location at a strategic point known as the ancient Phanaroea Valley, where the Lykos (modern Kelkit Çayı) and Iris (modern Yeşilırmak) rivers converge. These rivers not only met the city's water needs but also nourished the region's fertile agricultural lands and served as important transportation and trade arteries between the interior regions and the Black Sea coast.

While the fertile lands of the valley formed the basis of the city's agricultural wealth, the ease of transportation provided by the rivers made Eupatoria/Magnopolis a key stop within regional trade networks. Thanks to its proximity to important ancient cities such as Nikopolis to its east, Amaseia (Amasya) to its west, and Comana Pontica to its southeast, the city played a central role in terms of regional interaction and strategic control. This geographical location enhanced the city's potential for both military defense and economic development.

Significance in Antiquity

Eupatoria/Magnopolis was an important center in antiquity, both politically and economically. Its political significance lay in its foundation and refoundation. Its foundation by King Mithridates VI Eupator of Pontus, bearing his own name, is an indication of his effort to consolidate his dominance in this strategic valley and ensure control over the interior regions of his kingdom. During Mithridates' powerful reign, Eupatoria likely functioned as a military and administrative outpost.

During the Roman Empire period, its refoundation by Gnaeus Pompeius as "Magnopolis" indicates that the city became a symbol of Roman authority in the region and an important part of the provincial administration. During this period, the city may have played a key role in the internal affairs of the province of Pontus, in tax collection and maintaining order.

Economically, the city's importance stemmed from its location in the fertile Phanaroea Valley, where the Lykos and Iris rivers converge. This valley offered a rich production area for grains, fruits, and other agricultural products. The rivers also served as natural trade routes for transporting goods from the interior to the Black Sea or products from the coast to inland markets. This situation transformed Magnopolis into a regional trade center and contributed to its economic prosperity. Although specific information regarding the city's religious life is limited, the existence of temples and cult areas dedicated to local deities and the imperial cult, similar to other cities in the region during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, is probable.

Coinage

No coins from this settlement are recorded in the NumisTR database. In antiquity, coinage was typically undertaken by large and autonomous city-states or important administrative centers. Despite Eupatoria/Magnopolis being a strategic and administrative center, it is probable that larger and more established cities in the region, such as neighboring Amaseia (Amasya) or Comana Pontica, undertook coinage activities. This situation can be explained by the city's economic activities being more integrated into regional agricultural and trade networks, implying it may not have required direct minting authority.

Archaeological Remains

Today, definitive and comprehensive archaeological remains of Eupatoria/Magnopolis are limited due to intensive agricultural activities in the region and natural degradation over time. The alluvial nature of the Phanaroea Valley and the soil carried by the rivers over centuries may have reduced the visibility of ancient remains on the surface. However, surface surveys and observations in the region may indicate finds such as pottery fragments, brick remains, and foundation traces in probable settlement areas. Traces of the city walls or important public buildings might be uncovered through future archaeological excavations. The precise identification of the location of this important city mentioned in ancient sources and the excavation of its remains are of great significance for the historical and cultural heritage of the region.

Today

The precise modern location of ancient Eupatoria/Magnopolis corresponds to the valley region where the Kelkit Çayı and Yeşilırmak rivers converge, near the Niksar district of Tokat province (approximate coordinates 40.5, 36.5). The region continues to be notable for its fertile agricultural lands and is covered by modern settlements. Access to the city's remains can be provided by road from surrounding provinces such as Tokat or Samsun. Visitors can explore the geography believed to be the ancient city's location, connecting the strategic importance of the Mithridatic and Pompeian eras with the modern valley landscape.