Settlements > Ancyra

Ancyra

Ancyra, known today as Ankara, is the capital city of Turkey and has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Here are some key aspects of Ancyra:

Historical Background

1. Phrygian Period: Ancyra was initially a Phrygian settlement. The Phrygians were an ancient Indo-European people who settled in central Anatolia. The city's history can be traced back to at least the 2nd millennium BCE.

2. Galatian Capital: In the 3rd century BCE, Celtic tribes known as the Galatians migrated into central Anatolia and established the kingdom of Galatia. Ancyra became one of their principal cities and later the capital of the Galatian state.

3. Hellenistic Influence: Ancyra was influenced by Hellenistic culture following the conquests of Alexander the Great. The city maintained its strategic and commercial importance during this period.

Roman and Byzantine Periods

1. Roman Conquest: In 25 BCE, the Galatian king Amyntas bequeathed his kingdom to Rome, making Ancyra a part of the Roman Empire. The city flourished under Roman rule and became an important administrative center.

2. Monument of Augustus: One of the most significant remnants from this period is the Temple of Augustus and Rome, which houses the Res Gestae Divi Augusti (The Deeds of the Divine Augustus), an inscription detailing the achievements of the first Roman emperor, Augustus.

3. Byzantine Era: Ancyra continued to be a significant city during the Byzantine period. It was a key military and administrative center and played a vital role in the defense against various invasions, including those by the Persians and later the Arabs.

Ottoman Period and Modern Era

1. Ottoman Conquest: Ancyra was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. During the Ottoman period, the city was known for its angora wool, derived from the Angora goat.

2. Modern Turkey: In the early 20th century, Ancyra played a crucial role in the Turkish War of Independence. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, chose Ancyra as the base of operations for his nationalist movement. In 1923, Ancyra was declared the capital of the newly established Republic of Turkey and was renamed Ankara.

Archaeological and Cultural Significance

1. Roman Remains: The Temple of Augustus and Rome, along with Roman baths and other remnants, highlight the city's Roman heritage. These sites are significant for understanding the urban development and cultural life of Ancyra during the Roman period.

2. Hellenistic and Phrygian Artifacts: Various artifacts from the Hellenistic and Phrygian periods have been discovered in and around Ankara, showcasing the city's long history and cultural diversity.

3. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Ankara is home to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from various periods of Anatolia's history, including items from the Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Summary

Ancyra, now known as Ankara, has a rich and diverse history that spans several millennia. Initially a Phrygian settlement, it became a major city in the Galatian kingdom and later flourished under Roman and Byzantine rule. The city played a crucial role in the history of the Ottoman Empire and the foundation of modern Turkey. Today, Ankara is not only the political capital of Turkey but also a city of great archaeological and cultural significance, with a wealth of historical sites and museums that preserve its ancient heritage.

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