Greek Geography > Cilicia

Cilicia

Background

Cilicia is a historical region in southeastern Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) along the northeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its strategic location, fertile plains, and significant historical role, Cilicia has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has seen the rise and fall of various civilizations and empires.

Key Features of Cilicia:

1. Geographical Context:

   • Location: Cilicia is situated in southeastern Anatolia, bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the regions of Pamphylia to the west and Syria to the east.
   • Terrain: The region is divided into two main areas: Cilicia Pedias (Flat Cilicia), characterized by its fertile plains, and Cilicia Trachea (Rough Cilicia), known for its rugged mountainous terrain.

2. Historical Significance:

   • Early Inhabitants: Cilicia has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Evidence of early settlements includes ancient sites such as Yumuktepe and Tarsus.
   • Hittite Influence: During the second millennium BCE, Cilicia was influenced by the Hittites and was known as Kizzuwatna. It became an important vassal state within the Hittite Empire.

3. Classical Period:

   • Persian Rule: In the 6th century BCE, Cilicia came under the control of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. It was governed by local dynasts who maintained a degree of autonomy while paying tribute to the Persians.
   • Hellenistic Period: After the conquests of Alexander the Great, Cilicia became part of the Hellenistic world. It was contested by the Seleucids and the Ptolemies before eventually falling under Seleucid control.

4. Roman and Byzantine Periods:

   • Roman Province: In the 1st century BCE, Cilicia was incorporated into the Roman Republic and later became a Roman province. The region was strategically important for controlling the eastern Mediterranean and for protecting against piracy.
   • Early Christianity: Cilicia played a significant role in the spread of Christianity. The Apostle Paul, originally from Tarsus in Cilicia, was one of the early Christian missionaries who traveled extensively throughout the region.
   • Byzantine Period: During the Byzantine era, Cilicia continued to be an important administrative and military region. It was a frontier zone between the Byzantine Empire and various eastern powers, including the Sassanid Persians and later the Islamic Caliphates.

5. Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia:

   • Medieval Period: In the late 11th century, Armenian refugees fleeing the Seljuk invasion of Armenia established the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. This kingdom became a significant political and cultural center during the Crusades, aligning itself with the Crusader states and European powers.
   • Cultural Flourishing: The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia saw a flourishing of Armenian culture, art, and architecture. It maintained close ties with Europe and played a crucial role in the regional politics of the eastern Mediterranean.

6. Ottoman Period and Modern Era:

   • Ottoman Rule: Cilicia fell under Ottoman control in the early 16th century. It remained part of the Ottoman Empire until the aftermath of World War I.
   • Modern Turkey: Today, the region corresponding to ancient Cilicia is part of modern Turkey. The cities of Adana, Mersin, and Tarsus are significant urban centers in the area.

7. Cultural and Economic Life:

   • Agriculture: The fertile plains of Cilicia Pedias have been important for agriculture since ancient times. The region produces a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, cotton, and citrus fruits.
   • Trade and Commerce: Cilicia's coastal location and ports facilitated trade and commerce throughout the ancient and medieval periods. The region served as a crossroads for trade routes connecting the Mediterranean with the interior of Anatolia and the Near East.

8. Important Cities and Sites:

   • Tarsus: An ancient city with a rich history, Tarsus was the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. It was an important cultural and commercial center during Roman and early Christian times.
   • Adana: One of the major cities in modern Cilicia, Adana has a long history and continues to be an important economic hub in the region.
   • Anazarbus: An ancient city known for its impressive ruins, including a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch and Byzantine fortifications.
   • Aigeai (modern Yumurtalık): An important port city in antiquity and the Middle Ages, playing a significant role in regional trade.

Conclusion:

Cilicia is a region with a rich and diverse history, from its early settlements and Hittite influences to its roles in the Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The region's strategic location and fertile plains have made it an important center for agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange throughout history. The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia added another layer of cultural richness during the medieval period. Today, the historical legacy of Cilicia is preserved in its archaeological sites and the vibrant cultural life of its modern cities.

Sources

Greek Geography